The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a seminar today said appropriate strategy for economic growth, political process and human resources development is needed for sustainable development of national consciousness, absorption of modern technology, educational reforms and political stability.

Referring to the rise of Japan as an economic superpower, they said Bangladesh needs to evolve a consensus of purpose for clearly defined objective of national development under a democratic order, they said. They were addressing at a seminar on 'Japan's Contribution for the Development of Bangladesh' organised by Bangladesh-Japan Friendship Association (BDJPFA) at the Jatiya Press Club here.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Tamutsu Shinotsuka atended the seminar as the chief guest while Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Takao Toda and Representative of JETRO Takashi Suzuki as the special guests.

Former Vice Chancellor of DUET Prof Anwarul Azim presented the keynote paper on the seminar while Chairman of BDJPFA Aminul Islam Khan Bulbul chaired it

The Japanese ambassador said Japan is keen to increase its investment in different sectors of Bangladesh, including communication, health and education, side by side with helping construction of the Padma Bridge.

He said the Japanese investors are interested to invest in these sectors in Bangladesh. Besides, they have shown keen interest to invest in textile sector, he added.

He said Bangladesh can import solar panels from Japan or it can produce the same in joint ventures with Japan for utilizing the panels in irrigation projects.

At present, Bangladesh exports shrimps, leather and leather products, jute, woven and knitwear products to Japan, he said.

He said the Japanese entrepreneurs are interested to invest in various sectors, including textile, pharmaceuticals and mobile sectors, in Bangladesh.

Referring to the recent visit of the leaders of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) to Japan, he said Japanese entrepreneurs signed an agreement with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, creating a room for expansion of trade, commerce and investment between the two countries.

The ambassador said at present over 1,700 Bangladeshi students are studying in Japan. This number would increase to 3,000 by 2020, he added.

He said the economic cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh is gaining momentum. The Japanese government gave Bangladesh financial assistance amounting to about US$ 10 billion so far.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing relations between the two countries, he called for further strengthening the relationship.

Praising Bangladesh for maintaining a sustainable growth he said, it has atained six percent GDP and its export has also showed an improvement even amidst global recession.

The Japanese envoy informed that his government has been providing support to the seting up of different power plants in order to increase electricity production in Bangladesh.

"Japan and Bangladesh are enjoying traditional and time- tested friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both the countries have been cooperating each other for their mutual benefits," he added.