Desk Report:
Japan’s leading business and investment firm, Marubeni Corporation, has expressed interest in establishing a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) in Bangladesh, alongside expanding its existing investments in the country.
On Sunday morning (October 11, 2026), a high-level delegation led by Marubeni Corporation’s President and CEO, Masayuki Omoto, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tareq Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Discussions during the meeting focused on expanding Japanese investment in Bangladesh, establishing new industries, and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation across various promising sectors.
Delegation members highlighted investment opportunities in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertilizer production, and the energy sector. Particular emphasis was placed on the prospect of establishing a second KAFCO plant in the country. Implementing such an initiative could boost Bangladesh’s fertilizer production capacity, foster industrial growth, and create new employment opportunities.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Tareq Rahman outlined the government’s various initiatives aimed at harnessing Bangladesh’s economic potential, attracting domestic and foreign investment, and generating new jobs. He welcomed Marubeni Corporation’s interest in investing in the IT, fertilizer, and energy sectors and reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating national economic development by ensuring an investment-friendly environment.
The expansion of economic relations between Bangladesh and Japan was also discussed. It was noted that the implementation of the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two nations would further strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation.
Japan is one of Bangladesh’s key development and economic partners. Investments by various Japanese companies are playing a significant role in Bangladesh’s industrialization, the enhancement of technological capabilities, and infrastructure development. Against this backdrop, Marubeni Corporation’s interest has opened up new possibilities for expanding trade and investment ties between Japan and Bangladesh.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan were present at the meeting.
Representing Marubeni Corporation were Susumu Wakamori, CEO of the company’s Southwest Asia region, and Manabu Sugawara, the company’s Country Head for Bangladesh.
