Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi has said that Bangladesh is moving towards democratic system through national elections to be held next year.
He made the remarks while addressing the 20th founding anniversary of Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Sunday (November 29).
Ambassador Shinichi praised the activities of the interim government and said that Bangladesh is steadily moving towards transformation into a middle-income country under the leadership of Professor Mohammad Yunus. He also expressed optimism about Bangladesh-Japan development cooperation and future trade prospects.
At the event, JBCCI President Tarek Rafi Bhuiyan (June) reported significant progress on the ongoing Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He said, “The progress in the EPA negotiations this year is very satisfactory. JBCCI is trying to finalize a fair, sustainable and mutually beneficial agreement in close coordination with the relevant governments and private sectors, in addition to participating in the cabinet-level consultations. We believe that the agreement will open new horizons for business in both countries.”
He also said that the JICA-funded metro rail project under infrastructure cooperation has already brought visible changes to Dhaka’s urban transport system. The expansion and growing popularity of the project are modernizing the dynamism of the capital—a strong symbol of Japan-Bangladesh friendship.
Business leaders, investors and policymakers at the event expressed their hope to further deepen the economic relations between the two countries.
