|| By Imtiaz Ahmed and samia Tabassum: Bangladesh Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman visited  Japan at the invitation of Japan Prime Minister Ms Sanae Takaichi during October 26-29, 2026.During the visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today invited Japanese investors, businesses and financial institutions to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh and become partners in the country’s next phase of economic growth.“The partnership between Bangladesh and Japan has been built on decades of friendship, trust, and mutual respect. Today, we have an opportunity to take this relationship to new heights. I warmly invite Japanese investors, businesses, and financial institutions to explore the opportunities Bangladesh has to offer and be part of our next phase of growth,” he said.The Prime Minister made the call at a joint press announcement at the conference room of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office (Kantei) here following his high-level bilateral talks with premier Sanae Takaichi.Tarique Rahman said the two leaders had held fruitful discussions on a broad range of bilateral, regional and international issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership.He said the two countries had expressed a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in energy, information and communication technology (ICT), railways and infrastructure, deep-sea ports and foreign direct investment (FDI).During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan also exchanged several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in key areas, he said, adding that a joint statement would outline the outcomes and shared priorities of their discussions.Meanwhile,  Japan is expected to arrange private-sector investments worth 1 trillion yen, equivalent to around US$6.35 billion, in Bangladesh over the next five years, according to a report published by Japan's Nikkei Asia newspaper.Japan is expected to arrange private-sector investments worth 1 trillion yen, equivalent to around US$6.35 billion, in Bangladesh over the next five years, according to a report published by Japan's Nikkei Asia newspaper.The proposed investment arrangement is expected to be mentioned in a joint statement following a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is scheduled to visit Japan this month, the report said.The planned investments are expected to cover automobile and other manufacturing industries, as well as the construction of energy facilities, according to Nikkei……The investment initiative is also expected to involve companies entering the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, which is being developed by several parties, including Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corporation.The proposed investment plan could open up new opportunities for Bangladesh to attract Japanese capital, expand industrial production, diversify its manufacturing base and strengthen energy infrastructure.Japan has long been an important development partner of Bangladesh, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, trade, investment and industrial development.Meanwhile, Kazuiki Kataoka, president of the  Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and country representative of JETRO Dhaka Office, said in an interview “From a business perspective, I see tremendous potential for Dhaka-Tokyo relations in the coming years. I believe Bangladesh will become an increasingly attractive destination for Japanese companies, both as a manufacturing hub for exports and as a promising market for domestic consumption. Should the visit and summit-level discussions take place, they would further strengthen confidence among the business communities of both countries and help elevate the relationship to a new stage of economic partnership.He also said “Bilateral trade is an important indicator, but it is not the whole story. Many Japanese companies in Bangladesh serve not only the Japanese market but also global and domestic markets. Therefore, our focus is not merely on increasing bilateral trade figures, but on strengthening broader economic ties through trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. In this regard, we also have high expectations for the Bangladesh-Japan EPA."To a question of the businessman's environment, he said “Bangladesh has many advantages, including a young workforce, a large domestic market, and strong economic potential. We welcome ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and hope to see further progress in areas such as regulatory transparency, trade facilitation, and policy predictability.These improvements are important not only for attracting new investors but also for enabling existing investors to expand their activities. In many cases, additional investment comes from companies that are already operating in the country. Therefore, addressing the challenges faced by existing investors is one of the most effective ways to attract further investment. Satisfied investors are the best ambassadors for Bangladesh, and their positive experiences can encourage others to invest as well.On Japanese investment , the JBCCI president said “According to JETRO's FY2025 survey, 56.9 percent of Japanese companies in Bangladesh intend to expand their operations over the next one to two years, reflecting their strong interest in the country's future potential. However, there remains a gap between business interest and actual investment decisions. Investors continue to face challenges related to energy supply, logistics, customs procedures, and international payments, all of which are important factors in investment decisions. While the political and social environment has become more stable following the February 2026 general election, it is essential to address these long-standing business challenges one by one in order to translate investor interest into actual investment. Bangladesh's economic transformation over the past 54 years has been remarkable. The country has become an increasingly important market and investment destination for Japanese companies, supported by a growing economy, a large and youthful workforce, and strong long-term potential. While business environment challenges remain, Bangladesh has established a solid foundation for future growth……..”Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi  SAIDA Shinichi said that the new government's economic policies seems to be really remarkable, particularly in case of attracting foreign Direct investment ( FDI)“Japan, as your faithful and dedicated development partner since your independence, is also determined to be a best business partner as well.He also said that the February election was successful and peaceful, and this makes a difference and brings the new stability of the policies of this country.Saida Shinichi  said “ The economic partnership agreement, which was signed in February with JBCCI support, testifies to it. I'm sure so many items are in Japanese companies' investment pipelines, which will be realized in due course. And high-level exchange, which is reported in the press, will be a big opportunity to drastically elevate our strategic partnership, particularly business ties, to the next stage.”The Japanese envoy said “Let me just briefly give you my suggestions I repeatedly told in public. You are now heading toward the diversification of industry to create millions of workplaces for youngsters. This is a part of new nation building, and in order to do that, you should target upstream industries, and you should remove red tape and unnecessary border measures and other hurdles.”Country Representative and Director of the JETRO Bangladesh Office and new JBCCI President Kazuiki Kataoka in his speech said “ Since arriving in Bangladesh in June 2025, I have been involved in JCCC activities as Joint Secretary General. I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to outgoing President Mr. Jun and also outgoing Secretary General Ms. Maria and other board members for their leadership, dedication, tireless efforts behind the scenes in organizing numerous activities and supporting the operation of this chamber. I also thank JBCC members, particularly Bangladesh members, who are doing business with Japanese companies in their daily life, and also Bangladesh members who are always interested in Japanese business in Bangladesh.He also said “As the new President of JBCC, I'd like to focus on two key priorities. The first one is to further highlight the contributions that Japan and Japanese companies have made to Bangladesh over many years. Through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and various business activities, Japanese companies have played an important role in supporting Bangladesh economic growth and development.”He also said “I will work to ensure that these contributions are more widely recognized throughout the country. The second priority is to make greater use of extensive expertise within our membership by organizing seminars, knowledge-sharing sessions, and other activities. While collaboration with external organizations remains important, we already possess a wealth of knowledge and experience within JBCC itself, represented by professionals from nearly 400 member companies.”The JBCCI President said “By creating more opportunities for members to share their expertise and engage with one another, I hope to further energize JBCC's activities and strengthen networking among members' companies and enhance the value and visibility of our organization. We are one of the leading bilateral chambers of commerce in Bangladesh, and our reputation is shaped not only by our achievement but also by our conduct. So, I will appreciate your continued cooperation in observing the courtesies that reflect the high standards of JBCC.”Meanwhile, Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows  of Japan in Bangladesh stood at 1142.28 million US dollars during 1996—2025, according to Bangladesh Bank report…….. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government remained in power during 2001-2006.  Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows  of Japan in Bangladesh stood  at some 145 million US dollars during 2001-2006, according to Bangladesh Bank report….Corruption, energy crisis, lack of continuation of business and industrial policy, political instability and slow pace in implantation are some of the major barriers to wooing FDI in Bangladesh, said a leading member of the *Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)….The political turmoil, sliding law and order, lack of political government stood in the way of wooing FDI during the 18-month plus period of the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Professor Dr Mohammad Yunus …………The national election was held on February 12, 2026 and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party got two-thirds majority and Mr Tareque Rahman became Prime Minister of Bangladesh….....The expected Japan investment  worth 6.35 billion US investment  in the next 5 years in the industrial sector seems a herculean task , said a FICCI member…………The creation of jobs is a major challenge of the economy as some 20 lakh youths are entering the job market in the country, said Mr Ershad Rana, President of France –Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairman of the Dawn Group of Companies Ershad RanaBangladesh’s economy will turn around within years as the present BNP government has a vision of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 and a plan of doubling the size of the economy through exports, investments, and restoring stability in the banking and insurance sectors. President of France –Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chairman of the Dawn Group of Companies Ershad Rana said this while talking to this correspondent recently.The war in the middle-east, Russia-Ukraine war, high prices of energy and lack of sustainable global market, money laundering by some politicians and businessmen are some of the challenges the present BNP government has inherited.Ershad Rana said that the government's goal of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 is not a slogan but a plan to double the size of the economy through exports, investments, and financial discipline. He said that the government’s mission is to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub and a gateway to the region. “Garments built our first growth story. Now we want electronics, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, and the green industry to build the next one. We want factories that create jobs and jobs that create dignity,” he said. Mr Saifur Rahman, a highly skilled person in economic management and a politically  respected human being,  was the Finance Minister of the BNP government during 2001-2006. Now Mr Amir Khasru Mahmood Chowdhury is the Finance Minister of the BNP government . He will have a herculean task in  executing and wooing Japan investment worth over 6 billion US dollars in the next 5 years.