TDS Desk

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori emphasised that Bangladesh’s conducive business climate is poised to attract more Japanese investors, thanks to a positive environment for trade and investment.

“An enabling environment is essential for business growth. The bilateral relationship between Japan and Bangladesh has strengthened significantly over the years. I hope the challenges faced by JBCCI members will be addressed soon, paving the way for new opportunities,” said Ambassador Kiminori.

The remarks were made during the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), held at the Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, where Kiminori attended as the chief guest.

The ambassador noted that over 300 Japanese companies are already operating in Bangladesh, and he expects this number to grow further.

He highlighted the potential impact of the forthcoming Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which aims to deepen and expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Reflecting on his tenure, Kiminori, who is set to leave Bangladesh at the end of the year, commended the warmth and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people. “Bangladesh’s people are very amicable. A favourable business environment here encourages new investments,” he remarked.

Kiminori also congratulated JBCCI on its 20th anniversary, praising its role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.

“The chamber has played a pivotal role in building trust and creating opportunities for both nations. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones,” he added.

The AGM marked a celebration of two decades of collaboration between Japanese and Bangladeshi businesses, with renewed optimism for future partnerships.

The JBCCI officially welcomed its 16-member Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 tenure on Sunday.

In the recent elections, Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), managing director of New Vision Solutions Limited, was elected president, while Maria Howlader, founder of Howlader Maria & Co, Chartered Accountants, took the role of secretary general.

The election saw a voter turnout of 61.98% among the 313 members, including 71 Japanese companies.

Kenji Kimura, chief representative of MUFG Bank’s Dhaka Office—part of the Mitsubishi Group and Japan’s largest bank—was elected treasurer.

The vice president roles were awarded to Anwar Shahid, managing director of MAS Consultants (vice president-1), and Hiroaki Oura, general manager of ITOCHU Corporation’s Dhaka Liaison Office (vice president-2).

Yuji Ando, country representative of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), was chosen as joint secretary general, while Md Jahangir Alam Sharker, managing director and CEO of 3i LOGISTICS (Private) Limited, was elected joint treasurer.

The remaining board members include: AKM Ahmedul Islam Babu, managing director & CEO of TechKnowGram Ltd; Atsushi Hirakuri, general manager of Sojitz Asia Pte Ltd; Hiroshi Uegaki, country representative & general manager of Mitsubishi Corporation, Dhaka Branch, and Manabu Sugawara, general manager of Marubeni Corporation, Dhaka Office.

The members also include: Md Shariful Alam, country chairperson of Mitsui & Co (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd; Mohammed Sohel, managing director of Bangla Poshak Ltd; Nayeemur Rahman, head of Business Planning at Eastern Motors Ltd; Rabiul Alam, managing director of MKK Logistics, and Saori Fujimoto, director of TNY Legal Bangladesh Ltd,

The new board aims to further strengthen the bilateral trade and investment ties between Japan and Bangladesh during their tenure.