TDS Desk:

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has underscored the need for early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan in order to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

The issues were discussed when Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Akiko met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that the Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes.

The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lauding Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support to draw a roadmap for early repatriation of the Rohingyas.

He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on the Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations.

During the meeting, the Japanese Vice-Minister reiterated Japan’s support for the interim government and its ongoing reform and nation-building initiatives.

The Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense contribution to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development initiatives since independence.

The Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period.

She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will go higher.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to improve the investment environment, the Foreign Adviser mentioned that BIDA is very proactive to ensure effective functioning of One-Stop Service (OSS) to facilitate services for foreign investors.

Vice-Minister Akiko highlighted the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region for regional peace and stability.

In response, the Foreign Adviser mentioned that as an advocate for regional peace and stability, Bangladesh has been supportive of a free and open Indo-Pacific region with freedom of navigation for all parties.

He thanked Japan for their continued efforts towards a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis through the repatriation of the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to the Rakhine State of Myanmar.

Both sides talked about mutual support and collaboration in election matters in the international fora.

The Foreign Adviser thanked the Japanese Vice-Minister for visiting Bangladesh and expressed hope that her visit will provide new momentum in the existing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.