Bangladesh, Japan Sign Six Bilateral Cooperation Documents, Pledge $295.5m in Loans

Bangladesh and Japan have signed six bilateral cooperation documents covering maritime security, economic relations, agriculture, employment, fisheries and livestock, and climate change, while Japan has pledged loans worth approximately $295.5 million for two development projects.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shahadat Swadhin disclosed the achievements of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day official visit to Japan from October 26 to 29 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Among the signed documents is a grant agreement worth up to 2.12 billion Japanese yen ($13.44 million) for the supply of a patrol vessel to strengthen Bangladesh’s coastal security capabilities.

A memorandum of cooperation (MoC) was also signed between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance to strengthen economic ties and improve the business environment.

Separate cooperation memorandums were signed between Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

Another memorandum of cooperation was signed on the Employment for Skill Development Programme (ESDP), aimed at creating employment opportunities through skills development.

In addition, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change signed a letter of intent (LoI) to strengthen cooperation on climate change.

Japan pledges $295.5 million for two projects
Japan has pledged a loan of 15.88 billion Japanese yen ($100.8 million) for a project aimed at improving the investment climate in Bangladesh.

A further 30.68 billion yen ($194.7 million) has been pledged for the second phase of the Upazila Governance and Development Project.

The total loan commitment for the two projects stands at 46.56 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $295.5 million.

The agreements and financial commitments are being viewed as key achievements of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day official visit, reflecting both countries’ efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development.

Meetings with Japanese leaders and business representatives
During his visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also held meetings with Japanese political leaders, business representatives and development partners.

Discussions focused on expanding investment, technology transfer, skills development and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Japan on Monday, October 26, following an invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

A high-level delegation accompanied him, including Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and the chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

The visit is expected to contribute to stronger bilateral ties and create further opportunities for cooperation in investment, trade, technology and sustainable development.