Tajul Islam

In a pivotal economic dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral investment, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEZA), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly climate in Bangladesh. The statement came during a high-level economic briefing highlighting the strategic significance of the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor.

The event, co-hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Standard Chartered Bangladesh, gathered senior representatives from both governments, international organizations, and leading private sector stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s growing economic ties with Japan.

Speaking at the event, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun acknowledged the challenges faced by foreign investors but emphasized the government’s dedication to reforms that enhance transparency and streamline investment procedures. “We recognize the challenges investors face, and we are committed to transparency and reform. But progress requires continued pressure from the business community. Our aim is to create a stable, investor-friendly environment-one that attracts long-term investment and reinforces economic resilience,” he said.

His remarks echo the broader aspirations of the current administration to bolster foreign direct investment (FDI) by removing bureaucratic hurdles, improving regulatory frameworks, and facilitating smoother business operations.

The event took place amid a global shift in trade dynamics that has intensified focus on South Asia as a strategic investment destination. Japan, one of Bangladesh’s most consistent development partners, has increasingly aligned its economic and diplomatic priorities with Bangladesh’s growth story.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations. “As a faithful strategic partner, Japan remains committed to investing in Bangladesh and supporting critical infrastructure. Our ongoing Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations further highlight our shared ambition, with significant opportunities emerging across agro-business, fisheries, automotive, and textiles,” he said.

With over 300 Japanese companies already operating in Bangladesh, this partnership is transitioning into a new phase-one defined by scale, sustainability, and deeper integration across sectors.

Country Representative of JETRO Yuji Ando emphasized that despite global economic uncertainties, Japanese investors remain optimistic about Bangladesh. “Despite global economic and political uncertainty, existing Japanese companies are eager to expand their operations-underscoring their long-term commitment to this market,” he said.

This sentiment was reinforced by Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh, who acknowledged that while progress has been made in improving the investment climate, further work is needed. “At JICA, we are working closely with JETRO and other partners to push forward strategic initiatives-from transformative infrastructure projects like the Matarbari deep-sea port and MRTs to streamlining investment procedures,” he noted.

The private sector also voiced optimism about Bangladesh’s economic trajectory. Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, pointed to strong macroeconomic indicators and the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and Japan.

“Japan has been an unwavering friend to Bangladesh since independence-our partnership is rooted not just in policy, but in deep people-to-people ties. We are seeing encouraging signs across key economic indicators, and the outlook is more stable than it has been in years. With the right reforms and collaboration, Bangladesh has every potential to become a trillion-dollar economy within the next five years,” he said.

Yusuke Asai, CEO of Standard Chartered Japan, echoed this optimism, adding that despite global uncertainties, the bank remains firmly committed to supporting the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor. “Two things remain unchanged-Standard Chartered’s commitment to the Japan-Bangladesh corridor and the unconditional friendship between our two nations. With over 300 Japanese firms already present, the time is ripe to scale up investment and strengthen our role in Bangladesh’s growth story,” he said.

The event demonstrated a shared resolve between government authorities, development partners, and private sector leaders to unlock new opportunities and deepen economic collaboration. It also spotlighted Japan’s central role in enabling Bangladesh’s long-term development through strategic investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.

As Bangladesh continues to position itself as a key player in the South Asian investment landscape, such partnerships will be vital. With the support of institutions like BIDA, BEZA, JETRO, JICA, and Standard Chartered, the Japan-Bangladesh economic corridor is poised not just for growth-but for transformation.

The consensus was clear; with the right mix of policy reform, infrastructure modernization, and private sector engagement, the economic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan can serve as a model for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in the region.