Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called upon the Japanese businessmen to explore new areas of investment in export oriented sectors in Bangladesh by exploiting full potential of business and trade relations between the two countries.‘We would, however, like to see diversification in our export basket. I would call upon you (Japanese business people) to explore new areas of investment in export oriented sectors in Bangladesh,’ she told a Bangladesh-Japan Business Forum roundtable with CEOs of Japanese enterprises being the participants at a city hotel.The premier expressed her desire to elevate the business relations between the two countries and people to people contact to a higher level by utilising the business and trade relations between Japan and Bangladesh.Describing Bangladesh as the fastest emerging country for its highly competitive location for investments in terms of cost, human resources, size of domestic market, access to international markets, trade facilitation and investment protection, the premier sought more Japanese investment in Bangladesh.‘We welcomed the investment of 1.4 billion dollars made by Japan Tobacco last year in Bangladesh. We wish to see more such investment from Japan,’ she continued.Mentioning the private sector as the main engine of Bangladesh’s economy, she said, ‘We attach top priority to entrepreneurship development and private investments, both domestic and foreign.’Terming Japan as top export destination for Bangladesh in Asia, the premier said that the Japanese companies were showing interest to do businesses in Bangladesh and these companies were also involved in various infrastructure development projects besides the trade.The premier called upon the Japanese businessmen to share their ideas for strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries.‘Let this exchange be frank and productive. I greatly value your opinions as I am well aware of your contribution to strengthen Bangladesh-Japan relations,’ she said.Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, FBCCI president Sheikh Fazle Fahim, BGMEA president Rubana Haque and Summit Group chairman Muhammad Aziz Khan spoke on the occasion.Chairperson of Japan Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC) Teruo Asada, JICA executive senior vice-president Kazuhiko Koshikawa, JETRO president Yasushi Akahoshi, Sumitomo Corporation president and CEO Masayuki Hyodo, Mitsui and Co executive vice-president Shinsuke Fuji, Sojitz Corporation senior managing executive officer Ryutaro Hirai, Mitsubishi Motors vice president Ryujiro Kobashi, Honda Motor Co managing officer Noriaki Abe and Maruhisa Co president Kiminobu Hiraishi also spoke.Bangladeshi ambassador to Japan Rabab Fatima moderated the function.
