Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko today met with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Feb 2, 2025 (BSS)- Visiting Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko has reiterated Japan’s support for the Bangladesh’s interim government and its ongoing reform as well as nation-building initiatives.

She said this in a meeting with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry here, said a ministry press release.

The Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister is on a two day visit to Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Foreign Adviser thanked Japan for its immense support to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development since independence. 

Japanese Vice-Minister conveyed Japan’s continued support for Bangladesh during the post-LDC graduation period. 

She underscored the need for early conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in order to boost up trade and investment between the two countries.

Appreciating Bangladesh’s positive investment climate, Akiko mentioned that Japanese investment and businesses are continuing their operations in Bangladesh despite recent political changes.
 
She noted that more than 310 Japanese companies are currently doing business in Bangladesh and the number will increase.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s commitment to improve investment environment, the Foreign Adviser mentioned that BIDA is very proactive to ensure effective functioning of One-Stop Service (OSS) to facilitate services for foreign investors.
 
 Akiko highlighted the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region for regional peace and stability. 

In response, the Foreign Adviser mentioned that as an advocate for regional peace and stability, Bangladesh has been supportive of a free and open Indo-Pacific region with freedom of navigation for all parties. 

He thanked Japan for their continued efforts towards a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis through their repatriation from Bangladesh.

Appreciating Japan’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas including their relocation to Bhashan Char, the Foreign Adviser sought Japanese support for early repatriation of the Rohingyas.

He also sought Japanese support for hosting a high-level conference on Rohingya issue in Doha in collaboration with the United Nations.

Both sides talked about mutual support and collaboration in election matters in the international fora.

The Foreign Adviser thanked Japanese Vice-Minister for visiting Bangladesh and expressed hope that her visit will provide new momentum in the existing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.