Japanese PM’s special envoy calls on PM, seeks stronger tech ties

Japanese Prime Minister's special envoy and Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries Minister SUZUKI Norikazu today (29 April) expressed his
country's interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in technology and
agriculture sectors.
During a meeting with Prime Minister
Tarique Rahman at his parliament office in the afternoon, he also stressed the
need to effectively advance the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between
Bangladesh and Japan, said a PMO release.
The Japanese minister, who is leading a high-level delegation, also invited the
Prime Minister, on behalf of Japan, to visit their country.
In response, the prime minister expressed hope of making an
official visit at a convenient time.
During the meeting, SUZUKI Norikazu
congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office of Prime Minister on behalf of
the Japanese government and expressed hope for taking Bangladesh-Japan
relations to new heights.
He also showed interest in
increasing exports of Japanese food products to Bangladesh.
The prime minister said Bangladesh
and Japan are long-tested friends, noting that one of the current government's
top priorities is creating employment opportunities for young people.
He called for boosting Japanese
investment in the agriculture, electronics and automobile sectors.
Tarique Rahman also expressed
interest in exporting Bangladeshi manpower to Japan, particularly skilled
workers in the healthcare and agriculture sectors. The Japanese delegation
responded positively to these proposals.
During the meeting, the Japanese
side stressed the importance of ensuring the smooth and timely completion of
major projects being implemented with Japanese support, including the Matarbari
deep seaport, Metro Rail project and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal
International Airport.
The prime minister assured
continued cooperation in this regard.
The Japanese delegation also said
Japan is providing $17.5 million in assistance to help address the Rohingya
crisis.
Tarique Rahman emphasised the need
for the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland; Myanmar.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir
Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Agriculture and Political Adviser
Nazrul Islam Khan, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister's
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh
SAIDA Shinichi were also present at the meeting.
Later, SUZUKI Norikazu witnessed
the parliamentary session, where Members of Parliament warmly welcomed him and
his delegation by thumping their desks.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni
announced the arrival of the Japanese minister in the House.
"We are delighted to inform
the House that the Japanese Prime Minister's special envoy and Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries Minister SUZUKI Norikazu has arrived in
Parliament," he said.
















