High-Level Bilateral Meeting with JICA President in Tokyo; Focuses on Budgetary Support and Skill Partnerships
BD PM Seeks Japan's Support to Establish 'Tech & Innovation City'
- Prime Minister seeks Japanese assistance to establish a Tech & Innovation City
- Bangladesh requests continued soft loans and budget support for energy security
- JICA reaffirms commitment to expedite pending priority projects and strategic partnerships
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought Japan's comprehensive assistance to establish a state-of-the-art 'Tech and Innovation City' in Bangladesh. The proposal was formally presented during a bilateral meeting with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Tanaka Akihiko at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on Monday (October 26) at 5:10 PM local time.
Briefing reporters after the high-level meeting, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shahadat Swadhin, outlined the major outcomes of the discussion.
According to the Deputy Press Secretary, Bangladesh proposed expanding cooperation under the 'Bangladesh-Japan Skill Development Partnership', setting up an advanced tech hub, and modernizing agriculture, agro-processing, and light engineering sectors. Given Bangladesh's economic priorities, the Prime Minister emphasized continuing soft loans and technical support. In light of global energy volatility, Bangladesh also requested direct budget support from Japan to ensure national energy security, similar to the previous fiscal year.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remarked, "Japan’s steadfast support has been pivotal to Bangladesh's infrastructure development, socio-economic progress, and long-term development aspirations. We aim to deepen this historic friendship to elevate the quality of life for our citizens."
In response, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko reaffirmed the agency's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic prosperity. Both sides agreed to complete ongoing mega-projects within their designated deadlines and accelerate approvals for priority schemes currently under review.
The Bangladeshi delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM's Finance Advisor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, PM's Telecom and ICT Advisor Rehan Asif Asad, Special Assistant Dr. Md. Shakirul Islam Khan, ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon. JICA Senior Vice President Hara Shohei and senior agency officials were also present.
//DBTech/BTR/SME/MIST//
