HSBC highlights growing opportunities between Japan and Bangladesh

 
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Bangladesh recently hosted a networking event titled “Japan – Bangladesh Business Connections: Legacy and the Future” at the Westin Dhaka.

The event celebrated the longstanding relationship between Japan and Bangladesh while highlighting continued strengthening of the business engagement between two countries. 

Japan has been Bangladesh’s single largest bilateral development partner for over five decades, providing more than $32 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) since independence through grants, loans, and technical cooperation. Japanese support spans across key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture, health, education, and human resource development.

Major ongoing projects include the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port and Power Plant, Dhaka-Mass Rapid Transit Development project, Jamuna Railway Bridge, and the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

With over 350 Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh and bilateral trade nearing $3.8 billion, economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen. 

The event brought together guests from Japanese and Bangladeshi businesses, policy makers and industry leaders including, Mahbubur Rahman, secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Nahian Rahman Rochi, executive member and head of business development, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), Karasawa Shinju, first secretary and head of economic cooperation, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh and Hirotaka Shibata, director, corporate and institutional banking, HSBC Japan.

Nahian Rahman Rochi demonstrated an insightful keynote presentation on the current “Investment Climate of Bangladesh” and spoke about the key challenges and Bida’s approach to collaborate with industry-wide stakeholders for a simplified investment framework that will attract global investors. 

Mahbubur Rahman, secretary, Ministry of Commerce, said: “Strengthening the Japan-Bangladesh trade corridor is pivotal for our economic growth, and we welcome HSBC’s efforts in deepening this vital partnership.”

Karasawa Shinju, first secretary and head of economic cooperation, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, said: "Over the past decades, Japanese companies have stood as steadfast partners in Bangladesh’s development journey. As the title of today’s event suggests—Legacy and the Future—our collaboration is rooted in decades of mutual trust and shared growth. Yet it also looks forward to new possibilities: in digital transformation, green energy, logistics, and innovation-driven industries.”

Hirotaka Shibata, director, corporate and institutional banking, HSBC Japan, added: “HSBC Japan and HSBC Bangladesh has an established commitment to foster strong relationship between Japanese businesses and their Bangladeshi counterparts. The event underscored the shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and innovation — reinforcing HSBC’s role in connecting businesses to growth opportunities across borders.”

Shadab Hossain, head of global network banking, HSBC Bangladesh added: “It is a great privilege to host this special evening with HSBC Bangladesh, bringing together Japanese investors and Bangladeshi partners to celebrate the deep and trusted relationship between Japan and Bangladesh, one that goes far beyond economics and reflects decades of mutual respect and cooperation. The event has been designed to be more than just a networking event but is a gathering of ideas, ambitions, and celebration for the past achievements.”