Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and economic development, with outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, expressing Tokyo’s dedication on Wednesday.
The ambassador made these remarks during a farewell meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
Ambassador Kiminori highlighted Japan’s focus on strengthening bilateral ties based on three pillars: peace and stability, economic cooperation, and human-to-human interactions.
“We’ll do our best to support the three pillars,” Kiminori said, emphasizing Japan’s “strong support” for the interim government’s reform initiatives, including electoral reforms.
Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for Japan’s contributions to the bilateral relationship, noting the enduring strength of ties between the two nations.
“The relationship has always been very strong,” he said, calling for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh to further stimulate economic growth.
“The presence of Japanese investors in Bangladesh sends a positive message for us,” Yunus added.
Ambassador Kiminori assured that Japanese businesses remain committed to Bangladesh, stating, “Not a single Japanese company has withdrawn from Bangladesh after the July-August mass uprising. They are willing to stay in the country.”
The envoy extended an invitation from Nikkei to an annual conference in Japan, where the Japanese prime minister is expected to deliver a keynote address. The event would provide an opportunity for Professor Yunus to meet with top executives from leading Japanese companies and encourage them to invest in Bangladesh.
Additionally, Ambassador Kiminori praised the Bangladeshi government’s efforts to address the Rohingya crisis, endorsing the upcoming international conference on the issue. He reiterated Japan’s support for a UN-guaranteed safe zone in Myanmar’s Rakhine state to temporarily accommodate displaced communities until they can safely return to their homes.
