The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Japan is positively considering to aid Bangladesh in all possible means for facilitating the undertaking of large infrastructure projects.

State Foreign Secretary of Japan Seiko Hashimoto gave the hint when State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Hasan Mahmud called on her in Tokyo yesterday, said a Foreign Ministry release.

In an hour-long meeting, held between the Bangladesh State Minister and the Japanese State Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest.

Appreciating the strength of the long-standing bond of friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, Dr. Hasan Mahmud sought the active support of Japan to a few specific infrastructure and trade issues.

Issues on cooperation for the construction of the proposed Padma Bridge, construction and rehabilitation of the damaged embankments in the coastal regions, capital dredging of rivers, development of alternative/renewable energy resources, construction of a monorail network for the capital, Dhaka, also came up for discussion.

The State Minister also sought Japanese cooperation for the construction of an underground tunnel below the river Karnaphuli.

Facilitating the signing of Economic Partnership Agreement between Bangladesh and Japan and facilitating trade in vegetables and fruits were also discussed.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the State Minister, Hashimoto noted that Bangladesh is already a part of the Japanese Premier's flagship project "Cool Earth Partnership".

She expressed her conviction that under the leadership of the new government, Bangladesh would continue in its path towards prosperity.