Japan pledges increased energy aid and patrol boats to Bangladesh during high-level meeting

Photo Collected

A+ A A-

Prime Minister Tareque Rahman hosted a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday to review the progress of major infrastructure projects currently underway in Bangladesh. The discussions, led on the Japanese side by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomaki, focused on high-priority initiatives including the Matarbari deep-sea port, the MRT line expansions, and the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the third terminal project will reach completion by the December deadline. The dialogue also marked a significant development in bilateral financial cooperation, as the Japanese delegation responded positively to a request to increase support for Bangladesh’s energy sector. The proposed assistance package is set to grow from $312 million to $500 million, a move aimed at bolstering the country’s energy security.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two nations. Furthermore, the Japanese delegation announced that Tokyo will provide five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy, signaling a strengthening of maritime cooperation.

The conversation also touched upon the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. Prime Minister Rahman urged Japan to maintain its support and play a more active role in the international arena to ensure the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of the refugees to Myanmar.

Following the formal discussions, the Japanese delegation extended an official invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Japan, an offer he accepted in principle for a future date. The meeting was attended by several high-level officials, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, and various senior diplomatic and economic advisors. The Japanese side included Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori, JICA President Akihiko Tanaka, and Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office Junko Takahashi.