Japan-Bangladesh E-Bulletin (7th issue / August 29, 2004)
- Making a Bridge between Japan and Bangladesh - ====================================================================================================

[ Table of Contents ]

[1] Message from Ambassador Horiguchi

"Critical Time for National Unity"

[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Solo Art Exhibition of Nasreen Begum (Sep. 1, Dhaka)

* First JBCCI General Meeting (Sep. 2, Dhaka)

[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Statement on the Bombings in Bangladesh (Aug. 24, Tokyo)

[4] Information

* ABKD School of Ikebana and Japanese Culture

* Expo 2005 Aichi (Mar. 25-Sep. 25, 2005)

[5] JBCCI Member Report "My Business Experience with Japan"

Mr. Matiur Rahman, President, JBCCI

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[1] Message from Ambassador Horiguchi

"Critical Time for National Unity"

The bombing incident at the Awami League's rally on August 21 shocked the world.

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and my sincere sympathy to those injured in the devastating grenade attack.

The present situation caused by this incident poses a challenge to the entire Bangladeshi people. This is a menace to democracy, which the people of this country restored in 1990 through long years of democratic movement.

Effective law and order is a precondition for achieving the welfare of the people and promoting trade and investment in the country.

Should the situation further worsen, the credibility of this country's system will be at stake. If it degenerates into chaos, not only Bangladeshis but all the people in the world will suffer as a result.

Faced with this national challenge, what is most urgently needed is national unity.

It is hoped that both the ruling and the opposition parties would avoid worsening the present crisis for political opportunism and work together in carrying out thorough investigation of the heinous crime so as to improve the law and order in the country.

Let me conclude by quoting from a speech that I made at the National Press Club last April:

"I should like to appeal once again to all the people of Bangladesh to iron out minor differences of opinions among political parties for the best common interest of creating a prosperous nation state, which has already glorious cultural tradition and natural beauties."

(Ambassador's past messages are on the following website.)

http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/eBulletin/index.html

(Ambassador's National Press Club speech is on the following website.)

http://www.bd.emb-japan.go.jp/en/embassy/speeches/18sphnpc200404.html

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[2] Upcoming Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Solo Art Exhibition of Nasreen Begum (Sep. 1, Dhaka)

The Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts is organizing a solo exhibition of the work of artist Nasreen Begum entitled The Path Within. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, September 1, 2004. Ambassador Horiguchi will inaugurate the exhibition as Chief Guest.

For more information, please visit the following website.
http://www.bengalfoundation.com/gallery/

* First JBCCI General Meeting (Sep. 2, Dhaka)

The first General Meeting of Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) will be held on September 2 at 6pm at Sonargaon Hotel. All members of JBCCI, now representing nearly 40 companies/organizations, are invited. Ambassador Horiguchi, a patron of JBCCI, will also attend the meeting.

For more information about JBCCI, please refer to the following website.

http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html

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[3] Recent Events on Japan-Bangladesh Relations

* Statement on the Bombings in Bangladesh (Aug. 24, Tokyo

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) has issued the statement on the bombings in Bangladesh. The statement is posted on the following website.

http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2004/8/0824.html

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[4] Information

* ABKD School of Ikebana and Japanese Culture

The school of Ikebana and Japanese Culture is organized by the Asia Bunka Kaikan Dosokai (ABKD), Dhaka, an alumni association of those Bangladeshis who studied and/or got training in Japan. The school is supported by the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka along with several Japan-related organizations in Bangladesh.

Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement in the Japanese style, along with flower making and other aspects of the Japanese Culture are taught in this school by expert teachers of both Bangladesh and Japan.

For more information, please contact ABKD (TEL: 8613856 or 9673413).

* Expo 2005 Aichi (Mar. 25-Sep. 25, 2005)

The first World Exposition in the 21st century, Expo 2005 Aichi will take place from March 25th in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The theme is "Nature's Wisdom" - science and technology inherent in our surroundings that together foster a sound balance between human life

and the environment. For more information, please visit the following website.

http://www.expo2005.or.jp

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[5] JBCCI Member Report "My Business Experience with Japan" Mr. Matiur Rahman, President, JBCCI

Japan is one of the top industrially developed countries of the world. In Asia, its position is number one.

Since the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, our government gave emphasis on increasing our business relationship with Japan. All the successive governments of Bangladesh along with private sectors have tried to improve this relationship as a tool of furtherance of our economic development.

Government of Japan also came forward with a helping hand to strengthen our economy. As a result, our business relationship with Japan as we find today has become mutually beneficial, excellent and comfortable.

Our two countries not only work closely as development partners, but also share common values and interests such as respect for democracy, human rights and environment protection.

Ever since the independence of Bangladesh, the business relationship of Japan with Bangladesh has increased to a great extent.

By now, there are a number of investments made by Japanese entrepreneurs and companies in our country, especially in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs). In addition to investing in our country, Japan has also opened up its market for Bangladeshi products.

According to my long experience of doing business with giant Japanese companies like Bridgestone Corporations, Isuzu Motors Limited, Suzuki Motors Corporations and Itochu Corporations, Japanese business houses do possess some unique features which in my opinion contribute greatly to their success in business.

They maintain zero inventory which is a big cost cutting factor. The manufacturers concentrate on production only while the selling and marketing job is being done by trading houses. While taking decisions, the Japanese business houses do not depend upon emotion or whims. They take every decision based on market data and information.

Basically, Japanese people are honest, dedicated, hard working and very much loyal to their organizations. Success of Japanese organizations lies on these factors.

If any Bangladeshi entrepreneur wants to develop business relationship with Japanese companies, he should consider the above factors to convince the Japanese counterparts. The success of Uttara Group of Companies is based on these.

(Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) Website)

http://www.jetro.go.jp/bangladesh/eng/jbcci/index.html

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