admin
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on the Japanese government and business community to join hands in building a ‘New Bangladesh’, a nation shaped by the dreams and aspirations of its youth.
Speaking at the Bangladesh Business Seminar in Tokyo—organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and JICA—Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to Japan for its consistent support, particularly during difficult times.
“Bangladesh has gone through a 16-year-long political earthquake. Everything has fallen apart, and we are now trying to rebuild. Japan, as a true friend, has stood by us,” he said.
He emphasized that the transformation of Bangladesh is not just a political or economic initiative but a historic mission. “Millions of young people in Bangladesh dream of a better future. With your support, we can turn those dreams into reality,” he told Japanese stakeholders.
The Chief Adviser highlighted Japan’s contribution to key infrastructure projects, including the Matarbari deep seaport, calling it the “gateway to the world” for Bangladesh and neighboring regions like Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India.
“Let’s come together—not for profit alone—but to change lives. Our government has taken on the challenge to make the impossible possible, and with Japan as our partner, we believe it can be done,” he said.
TAKEUCHI Shinji, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, praised Bangladesh’s strategic importance in the region and acknowledged the growing number of Japanese companies operating in the country, now over 300—up 75% in a decade.
Shinji reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Bangladesh under Prof Yunus’ leadership. He also encouraged Japanese investors to diversify beyond textiles and explore sectors aligned with Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals.
The event concluded with the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two nations, covering economic and investment cooperation. Prof Yunus, who witnessed the signing, congratulated the parties involved and said, “The real task begins now—with implementation.”
Other notable attendees included Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, SDG Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali.
The seminar also featured remarks from JETRO Chairman Norihiko Ishiguro and JBCCEC Chairman Fumiya Kokubu.
