Japan envoy urges industrial diversification, less red tape in Bangladesh

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has called for greater industrial diversification, development of upstream industries and removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers and red tape to attract investment and create more jobs for Bangladesh’s young population.

He also stressed the need for a transparent and sustainable relationship between business and politics to support Bangladesh’s long-term economic development.

The ambassador made the remarks as the chief guest at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at Hotel Lakeshore in Dhaka on October 4.

Congratulating the newly elected JBCCI leadership, Saida appreciated the outgoing president and board members for their contributions to strengthening business ties between Bangladesh and Japan.

He highlighted JBCCI’s growth from just over 20 members to nearly 400 and said the chamber needs to maintain strong governance, institutional relevance and tangible outcomes for its members.

The envoy also noted Bangladesh’s progress towards becoming a middle-income country and welcomed the growing policy focus on attracting foreign direct investment.

Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed in February with support from JBCCI, Saida described it as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations.

He expressed optimism that several Japanese investment initiatives currently in the pipeline would materialise in due course.

The ambassador also said high-level exchanges between Bangladesh and Japan could further elevate the two countries’ strategic and business partnership.

Saida reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding commitment as a trusted development and business partner of Bangladesh and pledged continued support from the Japanese Embassy to JBCCI.

He encouraged the chamber to further strengthen its role as a catalyst for expanding trade, investment and business cooperation between the two countries.

The AGM also marked the transition to a new JBCCI leadership for the 2026–28 term.

Kazuiki Kataoka has been elected president, while Rabiul Alam will serve as secretary general.

In his remarks, newly elected JBCCI Secretary General Rabiul Alam said Bangladesh-Japan relations were evolving towards increased trade and investment and pledged to build on the foundations laid by the previous leadership.

Kataoka said his priorities would include highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh through trade, investment, infrastructure development and business activities, as well as making better use of the expertise of JBCCI’s nearly 400 member companies.

He called for more seminars, knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities and member-driven initiatives to make the chamber more vibrant.

The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks from JBCCI Vice President Hiroaki Oura, who appreciated the outgoing leadership and members for their continued support and expressed hope that the new board would carry forward the chamber’s ongoing initiatives.