Can Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador Raise Japan-Bangladesh Ties to a New Height?

 

Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said Japan, as a friend of Bangladesh since its inception, wants to consider possible cooperation and collaboration with all related actors to address challenges that Bangladesh is facing.

"The government of Bangladesh aims to become a developed country by 2041. In order to achieve this goal, Bangladesh is attempting to overcome various challenges such as climate change, health, and education," he said in a message.

The Japanese envoy said the year 2023 marks the 51st year of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh. In other words, he said, 2023 is the first year for the next 50 years.

"I feel honoured to start undertaking my responsibility as ambassador in the year of 2022, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh," he said.

Throughout the year, there must have been moments to look back at progress over the last half century, said the envoy.
Before coming to Bangladesh, the envoy said, he has learned that many Japanese have been involved and worked hard for the development of this country for 50 years as true friends of Bangladesh.

In the last 50 years, the two nations have been able to form an exemplary relationship defined with mutual trust, respect, affinity and cooperation. The official relation between the two countries was established on February 10, 1972, with the recognition of Bangladesh by Japan. The Japanese embassy in Dhaka and the Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo were opened in March and July 1972 respectively. Then, Japan, Bangladesh ties are booming day by day.

Iwama Kiminori is the newly appointed ambassador of Japan in Dhaka. The Japanese Embassy in Dhaka said that the newly appointed ambassador of Japan has presented his identity card to President Abdul Hamid.The previous ambassador of Japan called on President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on December 08. It is known that President Md. Bangabhaban. Iwama Kiminori, the newly appointed ambassador of Japan in Dhaka, presented the credentials to Abdul Hamid on Monday evening, December 26. President's press secretary. Zainal Abedin said, a smart team of the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) gave a guard of honor to Iwama Kiminori on reaching Bangabhaban.

During the meeting, the President said that Japan is Bangladesh's single largest bilateral development partner and an important country for trade and investment. The President thanked the Japanese government for providing technical and financial support in the implementation of the Metrorail project.
Highlighting Japan's cooperation in Bangladesh's socio-economic development, the President hoped, "During the tenure of the new ambassador, trade and investment between Bangladesh and Japan will expand further and bilateral relations will reach new heights."

During the meeting, the new ambassador of Japan sought the cooperation of the President in fulfilling his duties. He also expressed his conviction to work for the development of relations between the two countries.

Strengthening comprehensive bilateral ties

In order to give the bilateral ties a positive direction and establish a strong rapport with Bangladesh, previous Ambassador accomplished an outstanding job. Bangladesh does, however, also anticipate that the momentum of the Bangladesh-Japan relationship would continue thriving further in the days to come. The new Japanese ambassador in Dhaka is expected to comprehend Bangladesh from his own perspective.

Bangladeshi products to enter the Japanese market to meet its post-graduation hurdles

The new envoy has numerous opportunities to improve current bilateral ties. In 2026, Bangladesh is expected to leave the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Bangladesh’s access to various LDC-specific preferential treatments and facilities will be restricted as a result, which will negatively affect its exports to European and North American markets, particularly those of RMG. The new ambassador could support Bangladesh in this area by offering technical assistance in formulating policies and export-development strategies that would enable Bangladeshi products to enter the Japanese market to meet its post-graduation hurdles.

Bangladesh needs more Japanese investment

The Japanese businessmen can make larger investment in Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is a lucrative place for investment. Japanese private companies can invest in Bangladesh on larger scale. The new Japanese can pave the way in a new horizon. He can strengthen the bilateral ties for ensuring better mutual interest.

Bangladesh expects increased FDI from Japan to help the economy of the nation. The Japanese investments will greatly assist the Bangladeshi government by energizing economic activity, generating employment, boosting assets, and improving people’s quality of life through the development of infrastructure. The new ambassador must be aware of Bangladesh’s development priorities and work closely with that nation.

Advanced studies and enhanced cooperation are required in order to Bangladesh-Japan FTA, the new envoy can play a crucial role in these areas.Bangladesh and Japan have primarily agreed on signing a free trade agreement (FTA) to increase trade and investment,

PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone known as the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj's AraihazarUpazila on Tuesday (December 6). On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Japan, the establishment of the Japanese Special Economic Zone in Narayanganj on the basis of a government-to-government agreement can be considered a turning point for the growth and advancement of the nation's economy.

The population of 25,000 and the nearby area are unsurprisingly enthusiastic and motivated. Since it will bring them luck, that is. There will be no more poverty. Bangladesh is the best investment destination in the world, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina correctly stated during the ceremonial opening speech. due to Bangladesh's favorable geographic location, communication infrastructure, and access to ports and the sea, which allows it to be a market for 300 million people in South Asia.

When the zone is fully operating, the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) anticipates $1.5 billion in investments and employment for close to one lakh people. "The economic zone will make it easier for Bangladesh and Japan to share technologies.

Japanese businessmen are interested in investing in this economic zone to expand their businesses in Bangladesh, according to data from the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). This new economic zone would be environmentally benign. Several businesses will begin producing their products here before the end of the next year." Any domestic or international business may invest in this zone. 30 Japanese corporations are among the 40 foreign businesses that have already expressed interest in investing here.


Tilottama Rani Charulata is an
independent researcher.