PM Tarique Rahman to visit Japan for talks on trade and investment

Image- Collected

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit Japan from October 26 to 29 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and attracting investment.

The two governments announced the visit simultaneously on Tuesday. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said Tarique Rahman would hold bilateral talks with Takaichi at her office on October 27. The Japanese prime minister will also host a luncheon in his honour.

The visit aims to deepen the Bangladesh-Japan strategic partnership, accelerate development projects and encourage new Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

The two sides will discuss implementing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February 2026, and expanding access for Bangladeshi products to the Japanese market. Cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development and human resources will also be on the agenda.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders. Other planned engagements include meetings with parliamentary and business representatives, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

The proposed itinerary includes visits to an LNG terminal and power plant in Futtsu City, the UNIQLO headquarters and a Toyota factory in Nagoya.

According to the foreign secretary, announcements on possible memoranda of understanding or cooperation agreements may cover agriculture, fisheries, skills development, civil aviation, trade, environmental conservation and local government modernisation.

The discussions will also explore Japanese support for establishing factories in Bangladesh, creating jobs and developing the workforce. Regional and international security, a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and cooperation in addressing the energy crisis are also expected to feature in the talks.

The prime minister will be accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, ministers, advisers, senior officials and other delegation members. The delegation will travel on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights.

Japan has been a major development partner of Bangladesh since recognising the country following independence. Its support includes infrastructure and human resource development projects, including the metro rail, the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and infrastructure development in Matarbari.