Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that a very favorable investment environment has been created in Bangladesh due to the current political stability and large young population. He made this statement during a courtesy call on a delegation led by former Prime Minister and President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League Taro Aso at 3 pm local time on Monday (October 26).

During the meeting, both leaders recalled the long-standing friendly relations and personal memories between the two countries. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman mentioned his meeting with Taro Aso as the then Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP in 2006.

On the other hand, Taro Aso also recalled his past meeting with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the late Khaleda Zia. The Prime Minister said that Taro Aso’s constructive role during his various important responsibilities has strengthened the relations between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said that her government has taken various initiatives, including legal framework reforms, to ensure a business-friendly environment for foreign investors. At this time, she expected Taro Aso’s cooperation in increasing Japanese investment, expanding trade and accelerating technology transfer through the signing of the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan. She also sought Japan’s continued support in developing skilled human resources.

This important meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, several advisors to the Prime Minister and senior government officials from Bangladesh. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Yasutoshi Nishimura and Minister Tatsunori Ibayashi, along with senior members of parliament, participated from Japan.