Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Meets Fast Retailing CEO Tadashi Yanai, Invites More Investment

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has met a delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the Japanese parent company of global apparel retailer Uniqlo.

The meeting took place at 10:30 am local time in Japan on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the prime minister praised Uniqlo’s confidence in Bangladesh and acknowledged the company’s longstanding business ties with the country.

Tarique Rahman invited Uniqlo to increase its investment in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable apparel manufacturing.

The discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environmentally friendly production processes.

“The government is ready to provide the necessary support for expanding Uniqlo’s operations in Bangladesh,” the prime minister said.

He also highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land arrangements, investment approvals and other necessary administrative procedures to support the company’s expansion.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), expressing optimism that the agreement would help expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The Bangladeshi delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1 Humayun Kabir; Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atiqur Rahman Rumon, along with other relevant officials.

Representing the Japanese company were Fast Retailing Director Takeshi Okazaki and Group Senior Executive Officer Yoshihiro Kunii.