State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj today urged Japanese investors to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of South Asia and ASEAN as a unique opportunity. Speaking at the Bangladesh Investment Promotion Seminar in Osaka, he emphasized that investing in Bangladesh would give Japan access to a large regional market of over 300 crore consumers. The seminar was jointly organised by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Bangladesh Embassy in Japan, and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Hajjaj described Bangladesh as a potential investment destination and a strategic economic bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. He noted the progress of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan and the establishment of a special economic zone for Japan, which he believes will elevate economic relations between the two countries. These initiatives are expected to expand bilateral trade and investment, creating a more favorable environment for Japanese investors.
The state minister drew parallels between Japan's Meiji Restoration and Bangladesh's aspirations for economic transformation through education, technology, industrialisation, and visionary leadership. He mentioned that Bangladesh's economy, currently valued at over US$ 500 billion with consistent growth rates above 6 percent, aims to reach US$ one trillion by 2034. With a young working population of over seven crore and a rapidly expanding domestic market, Bangladesh presents significant opportunities for foreign investors.
Hajjaj highlighted potential sectors for Japanese investment, including machinery, light engineering, industrial components, automobile and electric vehicle components, electronics, pharmaceuticals, multipurpose jute products, agricultural processing, food security, cold-chain logistics, renewable energy, port and logistics infrastructure, industrial estate development, robotics, educational technology, and skilled human resource development. He also suggested partnerships with organizations like Artec in educational technology and skill development.
Furthermore, he pointed out the immense potential for cooperation in education, skill development, healthcare, and medical tourism. Bangladesh's young, educated, and skilled workforce could help address Japan's growing labor shortage, fostering long-term partnerships in skill development, technical training, and employment. Hajjaj called upon Japanese businessmen and investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh's growth journey, emphasizing the trusted development partnership Japan has maintained with Bangladesh for decades.
