Japan has expressed interest in providing cooperation and investment in the blue economy of Bangladesh, especially in the fisheries sector.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori expressed the interest at a courtesy call on Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim at the secretariat in the capital on Monday.
They discussed various topics at the meeting including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to Japan, expansion of trade and commerce, Japan's investment in Bangladesh's major development projects, mutual relations between the two countries and areas of cooperation between the two countries in fisheries and livestock sectors.
Nahid Rashid, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Nripendra Chandra Debnath, Additional Secretary, and Shimmura Katsumi, third Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Bangladesh were present, at the meeting, among others.
The minister informed the Ambassador of Japan that there is a huge investment opportunity for Japanese investors in setting up a diversification and processing industry of fish and animal products in Bangladesh.
“Japan is a genuine friend and one of the most important development partners of Bangladesh. The role that Japan is playing in the development of Bangladesh is a unique example of selfless friendship. We can further advance the cooperation between the two countries.
The existing understanding, friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries and the governments of the two countries will be strengthened in the coming years”, minister S M Rezaul Karim said.
Japan is cooperating extensively in the qualitative development of Bangladesh. Japan's technical and financial cooperation in implementing mega projects like Matarbari deep sea port in Bangladesh, the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Dhaka Metro Rail is truly commendable, he added.
“We expect this cooperation in the fisheries and livestock sector of Bangladesh and both countries can work jointly. The two countries can also exchange experience and technology cooperation in this field. Hopefully, the scope of bilateral cooperation and investment between Bangladesh and Japan will increase”, he furthered.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori said, “Bangladesh and Japan have a long history of friendship. Japan is interested in supporting Bangladesh's blue economy, especially in the fisheries sector.”
He added, “There may be a joint consultation meeting with the concerned people of the two countries. Due to the direct communication between the two countries, it is possible to easily transport goods from one country to another.”
He emphasised on the diversification of food products in Bangladesh.
