As Bangladesh emerges as one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Japanese investment in Bangladesh began to show a budding trend which corresponds to the growing opportunity that Bangladesh promises in the years to come. Such new trend appears in the diversification of investment sectors, which includes cosmetics, food-products, medical equipments and motorcycle, among others.

This provides a positive departure from a prevailing image of Bangladesh whose comparative advantage rests largely on the abundance of cheap manual labor. When synchronized with the progress being made in the development of Economic Zones, combined with growing recognition of Bangladesh’s strategic location at the heart of vibrant Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh would, without doubt, cast enormous economic potential in the eyes of the investors.

Increment of per capita income depends upon the improvement of productivity, and higher productivity depends upon the development of sophisticated manufacturing sectors. In this regard, FDI can play a considerable role in achieving higher productivity as it facilitates transfer of advanced technology which is essential in starting up any new such industries. I believe that Japan, as the first industrialized nation in Asia, promises itself to become the most reliable partner for Bangladesh, with its rich experience in overcoming the inherent challenges that exist commonly in Bangladesh and Japan, as seen in the scarcity of vital economic variables such as land, raw materials and natural resources.

Japanese investment, particularly in manufacturing sector, is all the more important in light of the above context. In addition to hard-earned skills and technology, Japanese companies are willing to pass down the very spirit of willpower that generates a series of innovation which, like Japan, holds the critical key for Bangladesh in achieving higher economic growth.

It is my firm belief that Japan-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership, a new guiding principle launched through mutual visits of our prime ministers in 2014, will certainly be expanded into new horizon by promoting such emerging trend most actively.


Masato Watanabe
Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh