DHAKA: Japanese business community is keen to invest in Bangladesh for developing the country’s socioeconomic infrastructure, needed for a faster national progress through utilization of dormant prospects.

Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada informed his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Dipu Moni about the matter in a meeting on the sidelines of the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Vietnamese capital Hanoi Thursday, said a Foreign Ministry release Friday.

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister sought Japanese cooperation in power sector and construction of the Padma Bridge.

“Despite various constraints, Bangladesh is moving forward with the friendly cooperation of Japan and other development partners,” she said.  

She also informed the Japanese FM that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would visit Japan at convenient time this year.

Katsuya Okada also emphasized the importance of visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh is one of the close comprehensive economic partners of Japan.

Dipu Moni said bilateral relations would be revitalized following Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan.

Katsuya Okada informed Japan would like to take up some environment-conducive projects in Bangladesh.


Dr Dipu Moni also met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Nyan Win in Hanoi the same day and talked about the forthcoming visit of Sheikh Hasina to Myanmar.

The two leaders also discussed road connectivity from Bangladesh to China through Myanmar, and maritime boundary and Rohingya refugee issues.

The issue of demarcation of the maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal with neighbouring Myanmar and India has been taken up with the international court of settlement following recent confrontational situation.     

U Nyan Win emphasized resolution of these issues through negotiations on bilateral plane.

BDST: 1920 HRS. JULY 23, 2010