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Prime Minister s Visit to Tokyo on the Eve of LDC Graduation: A New Economic Horizon in Bangladesh-Japan Relations
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By Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau),
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrives in Tokyo today on a four-day official visit. Invited by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, this visit is being viewed as a landmark milestone in the long-standing diplomatic and economic partnership between the two nations. Especially coming right on the threshold of Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, this visit creates a unique opportunity to elevate bilateral commercial and strategic cooperation to new heights.
Bilateral Diplomacy and High-Level Meetings
The focal point of the visit will be the formal bilateral talks between the two heads of government scheduled between October 26 and 29. In addition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the discussions will place utmost priority on further strengthening bilateral strategic partnership, expanding trade, attracting investments, enhancing energy cooperation, and boosting manpower export. Furthermore, detailed deliberations will be held regarding expanding business opportunities for Japanese investors in Bangladesh and broadening the current trade landscape.
Economic Diplomacy and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
The historic Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan in Tokyo on February 6 serves as the bedrock of the current relationship. This marks Bangladesh’s very first bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement.
As Bangladesh is officially set to graduate from the LDC category to a developing nation on November 24, 2026, the primary economic agenda of this visit is not initiating new agreements, but rather ensuring the effective implementation of the existing EPA, preserving export privileges and competitive edges for Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market, and making economic diplomacy more fruitful.
Labor Market and Skilled Manpower Export
This visit holds immense significance for expanding access for Bangladeshi workers to the Japanese labor market. Currently, opportunities exist under frameworks such as the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system.
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at streamlining the process of sending workers and creating new opportunities is currently in its final stages. Subject to mutual agreement, it is expected to be signed during this visit. Bangladesh has already emphasized building a skilled workforce by scaling up Japanese language and technical training initiatives.
Mega Projects and Infrastructure Cooperation
Japan remains a key partner in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. Consequently, the progress and future blueprints of mega projects financed by Japan are gaining special prominence during the Tokyo visit. These include:
Matarbari Deep Sea Port and Energy-Industrial Zone Project:
A coordinated development initiative centered around Matarbari to enhance regional logistics and cargo transportation capacity.
Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT-6) Project:
The continuation of Japanese technical and financial support in modernizing and making public transit commuter-friendly.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal Project:
Discussions on the next phases of expanding international passenger and cargo handling capabilities.
A New Horizon of Multi-Dimensional Expectations
According to analysts, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit is not confined merely to formal bilateral talks. It takes place at a time when Bangladesh is entering a new phase in the global economy. By ensuring the proper implementation of existing agreements, sustaining new investment flows, increasing the participation of skilled human resources in Japan’s labor market, and addressing post-LDC graduation challenges, this visit is expected to elevate Bangladesh-Japan relations to an enduring strategic height.
Maksuda Lisa: Maksuda Lisa is a senior journalist and one of Bangladesh’s early-generation women sports journalists, with 18 years of experience working across leading national newspapers, including Dainik Banglabazar and Manab Zamin, as well as television, print media, and online news portals. She is currently a Staff Correspondent at Pressenza International Press Agency (Dhaka Bureau).
She is the first woman elected Sports Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and served two consecutive terms. Alongside journalism, she has been actively involved in cricket-particularly women’s cricket- through team management, coaching, and organizational roles. She served as a Liaison Officer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, Manager of the Pink Team in the BCB Women’s Cricket Cup, and Manager of the Dhaka Abahani women’s team.
A former first-class cricketer with a 15-year competitive career, she represented Dhaka and Sylhet Divisions at the competitive level. She is currently a National Panel Umpire with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Women Cricketers Association (BWCA). She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.
Maksuda Lisa: Maksuda Lisa is a senior journalist and one of Bangladesh’s early-generation women sports journalists, with 18 years of experience working across leading national newspapers, including Dainik Banglabazar and Manab Zamin, as well as television, print media, and online news portals. She is currently a Staff Correspondent at Pressenza International Press Agency (Dhaka Bureau).
She is the first woman elected Sports Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and served two consecutive terms. Alongside journalism, she has been actively involved in cricket-particularly women’s cricket- through team management, coaching, and organizational roles. She served as a Liaison Officer at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2014, Manager of the Pink Team in the BCB Women’s Cricket Cup, and Manager of the Dhaka Abahani women’s team.
A former first-class cricketer with a 15-year competitive career, she represented Dhaka and Sylhet Divisions at the competitive level. She is currently a National Panel Umpire with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Organising Secretary of the Bangladesh Women Cricketers Association (BWCA). She holds a master’s degree in Political Science.
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Source: Pressenza