BCI and the JETRO held a meeting today at the BCI office in the city. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Nov 09, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) held a vital meeting today at the BCI office in the city. 

The meeting was hosted by BCI President Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), and attended by JETRO Country Representative Kazuiki Kataoka, said a press release.

Other attendees were BCI directors Dr. Delowar Hossain Raja and Nazmul Anwar, BCI Member  Ziauddin, and JETRO Senior Director Shoriful Alam. 

The proceedings were moderated by BCI Secretary General Dr. Md. Helal Uddin, NDC.

During the discussion, Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury highlighted that cottage, micro, and small industries are sectors with immense potential in the country. 

However, he emphasized that this sector currently suffers from a lack of skilled manpower. As a national industry chamber, he observed that the creation of skilled manpower is essential for achieving national economic goals.

He expressed his belief that it can play a crucial role in resolving the skilled manpower shortage by providing training in promising industrial sectors, including micro and small industries, automobile, agri-machinery, light engineering, and agro-processing industries.

The BCI President articulated a specific strategy, stating the desire to bring skilled trainers from a technically advanced country like Japan to Bangladesh. 

These foreign experts would then train local instructors (Training of Trainers - ToT) who would subsequently create skilled workers and managers nationwide, helping to eliminate the skill deficit, he added.

In response, Kazuiki Kataoka confirmed that JETRO is actively working to assist Japanese investment and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh and aims to increase the overall level of Japanese investment in the country.

After learning about the activities of BCI, Kataoka stated that he sees many opportunities for collaboration with the organization. 

He committed to arranging a meeting between BCI and Japanese industrial entrepreneurs and investors for further discussions.

Kataoka concluded by stating that JETRO and BCI will continue communication on matters of mutual interest and thanked the BCI President for the invitation.