Shama seeks more Japanese investment, jobs

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday welcomed increased Japanese investment and enhanced economic cooperation with Bangladesh, while seeking expanded employment opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers in Japan.

She made the remarks when Japanese Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs NAMAZU Hiroyuki called on her here, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.

Namazu is on a two-day official visit to Dhaka to attend the 7th Bangladesh-Japan Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).

During the meeting, Shama welcomed the visiting Japanese senior deputy foreign minister and expressed satisfaction over the successful holding of the FOC.

Referring to the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan, she reaffirmed Dhaka's commitment to further advancing the Bangladesh-Japan Strategic Partnership.

Highlighting Japan's longstanding contribution to Bangladesh's development, the state minister expressed appreciation for Tokyo's continued support through the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) Initiative and the Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme.

She underscored the potential for further expanding bilateral economic engagement through greater Japanese investment and deeper cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.

The state minister also expressed hope that Japan would create more opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers, opening a new avenue for strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Namazu expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's warm hospitality and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening its close and longstanding relations with Bangladesh.

He recognised Bangladesh as an important partner of Japan in South Asia.

Both sides expressed confidence that the Bangladesh-Japan Strategic Partnership would continue to deepen and expand in the years ahead.

Following the courtesy call, Shama hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Japanese delegation.