Bangladesh has emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties with Japan and expanding cooperation in the realm of alternative financing. This includes a focus on fostering economic collaboration—beyond traditional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)—to support Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and trade expansion through alternative financing mechanisms.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury shared these details with journalists in Tokyo on Friday, following a meeting with Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Assistant Finance Minister Atsushi Mimura.

The bilateral meeting took place at the office of the Japanese Finance Minister.

Regarding the discussions, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury noted that Japan is a time-tested friend of Bangladesh. The meeting covered strengthening Bangladesh’s economic development, increasing investment, and fostering cooperation in alternative financing. Both sides agreed to take effective initiatives to further invigorate their existing economic relationship and explore collaboration in new sectors. Discussions were held on launching specific initiatives for cooperation in alternative financing. During the meeting, both finance ministers acknowledged the long-standing, traditional, and robust economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan.

In addition to the Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by Tanvir Ghani—the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Investment and Capital Markets—along with other senior officials from both nations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Japan on October 26 for a four-day state visit, during which he held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Tarique Rahman led a high-level delegation, which included Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.