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Japan-Bangladesh E-Bulletin (41st issue / Dec 26, 2005)
- Making a Bridge between Japan and Bangladesh -
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[Table of Contents]
[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi "Bangladesh and Myanmar" "Special Message on the 72nd Birthday of His Majestry the Emperor of Japan"
[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations * Seminar on Total Quality Management (Jan 27-28, Dhaka)
[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Annual General Meeting of JUAAB (Dec 24, Motijheal)
* Victory Day Japan Cup Karate Tournament (Dec 23, Mirpur)
* Handing-over Ceremony of Multi Purpose Cyclone Shelter
(Dec 21, Chittagong)
* Seminar on Japan's Support to Rural Infrastructure Development
(Dec19, Dhaka)
* Victory Day Japan Cup Judo Tournament (Dec 18-19, Dhaka)
* Ikebana Demonstration (Dec 16, Dhaka)
* Seminar on JOCV Activities in Bangladesh (Dec 15, Dhaka)
* Seminar on Rural Development and Local Governance (Dec 14, Dhaka)
* Signing Ceremony for BRAC Health Care Program (Dec 13, Dhaka)
[4] JBCCI Member Report
"Leather Footwear Market in Japan"
Mr. Mohammed Nazmul Hassan (Sohail), Managing Director,
Leatherex Footwear Ind. Ltd.
[6] Editor's Note
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[1] Messages from Ambassador Horiguchi
"Bangladesh and Myanmar"
I revisited Yangon in order to attend a wedding ceremony of the son of a person whom I made friends with while I was working there 12 years ago. Upon visiting there six years ago, I was surprised to see many high rise buildings constructed with investment from the ASEAN countries. This time, however, the quiet and neat atmosphere, rather than the increasing number of buildings, made an impression on me.
Bangladesh felt far away while I was in Myanmar though they are neighbors with the Arakan Mountains in between. It was because I drew a line in my mind between the East Asia and the South Asia, and regarded each of them as a separate entity. However, the Rohingya refugee issue in 1992 led my attention to a fact that these two countries are very closely located and just divided by the Tekhnaf River which is so narrow and shallow at the upper stream that people could cross on foot.
I have been consciously or unconsciously comparing Bangladesh with Myanmar, both of which are very close friends of Japan, since I was posted to Dhaka more than two and a half years ago. Visiting Myanmar after a long absence made me see differences more clearly.
Bangladesh has 4.7 times as many people as Myanmar on the land which is one-third of the latter's. Also, Bangladesh is disadvantageous in terms of much more natural disasters and much less natural resources. Thus, Myanmar had been a hub in the East Asia as the region's most prosperous country from its independence till 1964. However, General Ne Win adopted a national isolation policy, starting the socialism revolution in 1964, and during twenty years since then, Myanmar has fallen into the place of a poorest country.
The economic doldrums continued under the military rule. The value of its currency, Kyat, continued to decline for 12 years; e.g., while one US dollar was equivalent to 60 Kyat 12 years ago when I finished my assignment there, one dollar can now buy 1200 Kyat. In addition, the Constitutional Assembly which was established 12 years ago has not made any proposal yet. The lack of political freedom has made them very difficult not only to adopt appropriate economic management but also to correct a failed policy. I believe that Myanmar needs openness and flexibility to listen to different opinions more than ever.
As for Bangladesh, it has been reconciled to the status of a poorest country through 30 years since its independence. It has a big potential for development but has not yet overcome such problems as the confrontational politics and governance. Nevertheless, Bangladesh enjoys political and economic freedoms. Its macro-economic policy is well designed; in particular, the recent growth in the private sector is remarkable.
Though there are still many problems to be solved, Bangladesh is open and flexible, which enables it to listen to constructive advices from the public opinion and the international society, even if it often takes some time. As a result, it can change tracks before problems get serious. I think that this view has been proved by the Government's encouraging action to the recent Islamic extremists' activities.
Japan, as a friend both of Bangladesh and Myanmar, hopes that the two countries soon leap from the status as a poorest country through unlocking their potential and solving respective problems one by one.
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Ambassador Horiguchi delivered a special message on the occasion of the 72nd Birthday of His Majestry the Emperor of Japan, which was published on several papers on December 23rd. He shed lights on important developments between Japan-Bangladesh relations in terms of diplomatic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, and cultural exchange. For a full text, please visit the Embassy's website at:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/message231205.html
(Past messages from Ambassador Horiguchi)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/index.html
(These messages were compiled in a single booklet.)
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/pdf/makingabridge2.pdf
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[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Seminar on Total Quality Management (Jan 27-28, Dhaka)
Seminar on Total Quality Management (TQM) will be organized by JBCCI for its Member Organizations from January 27 to 28, 2006. Collaborating organizations for this event are Bangladesh AOTS Alumni Society (BAAS) - a member of JBCCI and Bangladesh Society for Total Quality Management (BSTQM) which have been the pioneers in promoting TQM in Bangladesh on voluntary basis for more than one decade.
Resource people for this seminar will be a group of TQM experts of BAAS & BSTQM led by Mr. AMM Khairul Bashar, a renowned international personality.
You have to be a member of JBCCI to attend this seminar and each member organization of JBCCI is requested to nominate maximum two appropriate people from its own organization or from its business
associates to attend this 2-day seminar.
The nominations may kindly be sent along with full payment for registration either in cash or by account payee cheque in favour of "Japan - Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry" to JBCCI office by 5.1.2006 (Thu) to make the seminar successful. Please mention the full name, designation, mailing address, phone & fax numbers and e-mail address of each of the nominated persons for the sake of our smooth follow-up communications.
JBCCI Office
Tel/Fax: 886-0105
E-mail: jbcci@citech-bd.com
http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html
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[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations
* Annual General Meeting of JUAAB (Dec 24, Motijheal)
Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) was held on December 24, followed by the annual dinner and cultural program. Prof. Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Ambassador Horiguchi attended the event. Ms. Farida Parveen, an acclaimed singer, performed on this special occasion.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_juaab241205.html
* Victory Day Japan Cup Karate Tournament (Dec 23, Mirpur)
Bangladesh Karate Association and the Embassy of Japan organized "Victory Day Japan Cup Karate Tournament 2005" on December 23 at the Shahid Sarwardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur. Many athletes coming from around the country who have won local preliminary contests competed for a national champion.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_karate231205.html
* Handing-over Ceremony of Multi Purpose Cyclone Shelter
(Dec 21, Chittagong)
On December 21, Ambassador Horiguchi formally handed over the cyclone
shelters at Miresharai, Chittagong, constructed under the grant assistance of Japan. In the inaugural session, Honorable Member of Parliament Mr. M. A. Jinnah, Chief Engineer of LGED Mr. Shahidul Hassan, Additional Resident Representative of JICA Mr. Noriaki Nagatomo and Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Dr. Sayed Naser Ahamed Rumi were also present.
The Government of Japan, upon the request of the Government of Bangladesh, has supported the construction of 61 cyclone shelters so far. Last year, Japan pledged to fund 20 more cyclone shelters, whose budget amounted approximately Tk40 crore) in the next two years.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_mcs211205.html
Press release regarding the ceremony is posted on the Embassy's website at:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_mcs221205.pdf
* Seminar on Japan's Support to Rural Infrastructure Development (Dec19, Dhaka)
On December 19, a seminar was held to take stock of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the last 18 years. Minister Hidetoshi Ukita, Charge d'Affaires of the Japanese Embassy, was present.
The Government of Japan has been supporting rural infrastructure development through LGED since 1987 by the combination of grant aid, concessionary loans, debt relief and technical cooperation. Since 1990, Japan's assistance to LGED has totaled JP\12.1 billion (approximately Tk690 crore) of grant aid and JP\21.9 billion (approximately Tk1250 crore) of concessionary loans. The debt relief has contributed JP\10.5 billion (approximately Tk620 crore) to LGED.
In addition, there has been technical cooperation through JICA experts working full time in LGED since 1996, training of LGED staff in Japan and in other countries, and a three year project to strengthen the functions of Rural Development Engineering Centre (RDEC).
Minister Ukita made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_lged191205.html
Press release regarding this seminar is posted on the Embassy's website at:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_lged191205.pdf
The articles about the seminar are posted on the following website at:
http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=12/20/2005§ion_id=3&newsid=10249&spcl=no
(Financial Express)
http://www.thebangladeshtoday.com/archive/December/20-12-2005.htm
(Bangladesh Today)
* Victory Day Japan Cup Judo Tournament (Dec 18-19, Dhaka)
Bangladesh Judo Association and the Embassy of Japan held "Victory Day Japan Cup Judo Tournament 2005" at the National Sports Council on December 18 to 19. Many athletes coming from around the country who have won local preliminary contests competed for a national champion.
Minister Ukita made a following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_judo191205.html
* Ikebana Demonstration (Dec 16, Dhaka)
Asia Bunka Kaikan Dosokai (ABKD) organized an "Ikebana Demonstration" at their Ikebana School onDecember 16. An eminent Ikebana expert of
the Sougetsu School, Mrs. Goto, participated in the demonstration
along with about 25 teachers and students of the ABKD Ikebana School.
* Seminar on Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Activities in Bangladesh (Dec 15, Dhaka)
Economic Relations Division of Bangladesh (ERD), in cooperation with JICA, held a seminar on Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) activities in Bangladesh on December 15 at ERD. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Badiur Rahman, Additional Secretary or ERD, and Minister Ukita attended.
Four JOCV members; Mr. Nagayuki Yoshida, Ms. Chizu Kadooka, Mr. Masao Koda and Mr. Ryo Shiga, made presentations regarding their activities.
Minister Ukita made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_jocv151205.html
The articles about the seminar are posted on the following website at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/12/17/d51217100175.htm (Daily Star)
http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=12/16/2005§ion_id=3&newsid=10004&spcl=no
(Financial Express)
* Seminar on Rural Development and Local Governance (Dec 14, Dhaka)
Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a seminar "Reviewing Bangladesh Models for Rural Development and Local Governance" on December 14 from 10am to 5pm at LGED Bhaban Auditorium. H.E. Mr. Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Minister for LGRD&C, Ambassador Horiguchi and other distinguished guests were present.
On the occasion of inception of Participatory Rural Development Project, Phase 2 (PRDP-2), this seminar aims at exchanging views among specialists in participatory rural development and local governance on Bangladesh models for better local governance at grass-root level to promote rural and regional development.
Ambassador Horiguchi made the following speech:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/sp_prdpii141205.html
* Signing Ceremony for BRAC Health Care Program (Dec 13, Dhaka)
December 13, Ambassador Horiguchi signed a Grant Contract amounting to US$83 thousand (approximately Tk53 lakh) with Mr. Faruque Ahmed, Director, BRAC Health Programme.
BRAC receives this grant for its project to strengthen the community based health care programme in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). So far, BRAC has been implementing its health programme in 13 upazilas of the CHT region. BRAC is expected to utilize the Japanese grant to cover the entire region.
Press release on the signing ceremony is posted on the following website at:
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/news/pr/pdf/pr_brac131205.pdf
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[4] JBCCI Member Report
"Leather Footwear Market in Japan"
Mr. Mohammed Nazmul Hassan (Sohail), Managing Director,
Leatherex Footwear Ind. Ltd.
Japanese shoes and its "0" defect Q.C. system of - any manufacturers from LDC countries will feel high risk to take a step for making shoes for the Japanese market. But we took it as a challenge and in 2000, we established Leatherex Footwear Ind. Ltd. with Japanese technical assistances. We started making basic shoes for the Japanese market. We had no professional and trained technicians when we started. It took about one year to train our local technicians to meet the Japanese market's standard. Then we established a linkageindustry for making soles and heels as per condition of having GSP facility for the Japanese market. Then we achieved ISO-9001:2000 and National Export Trophy (2001-2002).
Today, our shoes and sandals are sold in the outlets of Isetan, Ito-Iyokado, Young Group, Chioda and other super markets in Japan. We have good quality leather and plants are designed as per Japanese requirement. Today, we export about 250,000 pairs of shoes to Japan. We had so many problems. But things have been organized and systematic now. Japanese shoe buyers have faith in our quality and commitment. Customers in Japan can buy leather shoes which are as inexpensive as chemical /PU shoes.
In addition to China, who can be Japan's next partner? We believe we can be the right partner in coming future. There are so many negative news about this country in magazines and news papers in Japan but when they have a direct contact with us, they find different picture from their expectation.
Bangladesh is the right place for handmade products, leather shoes, garments and others. I hope these few words will be enough to make Japanese buyers try Bangladesh! If you want to see our growth, please
help us by providing us with technology, buying products from us and relocating your enterprise here.
(Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry [JBCCI] Website)
http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html
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[5] Editor's Note
The devastating earthquake causing tsunami happened today of the last year. I would like to send my sincerest condolences and sympathies to those who suffered and are suffering still now. When I visited Phuket this fall as a tourist, some locals expressed their appreciation to me for coming there. I cannot help but hope that there be no natural disa sters regardless of its size in the coming new year, or at least, we should not cause any additional damages through poor management.
Editor, Saori Nagase
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Embassy of Japan
Plot No. 5 & 7, Dutabash Road,
Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone (880-2)881-0087
FAX (880-2)882-6737
http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/
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