Prof Yunus Urges Japan to Help Build 'New Bangladesh'

"I came here to thank you and design the next steps," he told the 'Bangladesh Business Seminar in Tokyo' hosted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and JICA at JETRO headquarters in Tokyo.

"We are in a big trouble. Literally, Bangladesh has gone through a 16-year earthquake. Everything fell apart... we are trying to pick up pieces," Prof Yunus said.

Describing Japan as a friend of Bangladesh, he said, “A good friend comes out in hard time and that friend is Japan. I came here to thank you,” he said.

Prof Yunus said millions of Bangladeshi youths have numerous dreams, and they need cooperation to translate those dreams into reality.

Calling the challenge historical, the Chief Adviser said, “We want to show the history that it was done, done in a perfect way.”

“We have kind of tightened our belt and say here we are to work. With your support it is doable,” the Chief Adviser said.

“Let’s put our hands together and execute it... it’s not about making money. It’s about changing people’s lives,” he said.

Stating that his government takes the responsibility to make the impossible possible, Prof Yunus said Japan is Bangladesh’s partner and friend to make that happen.

"Lay the foundation of another Bangladesh, which we call new Bangladesh... so our task is together to create that new Bangladesh. With your support, it is very much doable and we have already laid the foundation of it," he said.

Expressing his gratitude to Japan for its support in developing Matarbari, Prof Yunus said it laid the foundation of the economy of a country that is lagging behind.

The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is the doorway for many more millions, as people of Nepal, Bhutan and the seven sisters of India can gain access to the rest of the world through Matarbari of Bangladesh.

"Matarbari is the doorway of the rest of the world... we will keep the door open for all," the Chief Adviser said.

TAKEUCHI Shinji, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said Bangladesh is a strategic point connecting Asia and has been playing an important role in developing the region.

He noted at the event that the number of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh now exceeds 300, which is three-fourths higher than 10 years ago.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh, Japan has continued to support the country in its development, he said.

Shinji said the Japanese government is trying to enhance its strategic partnership with Bangladesh under the leadership of Prof Yunus.

He also said the Japanese government is encouraging Japanese companies to invest in South Asia, including Bangladesh.

Japanese companies can help Bangladesh achieve sustainable growth by strengthening cooperation in various fields, utilising the investment-friendly environment.

Stating that Japan's bilateral trade ties with Bangladesh are mainly centred on the textile industry, he called for diversification into a wide range of fields.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Bangladesh Ambassador in Tokyo Md Daud Ali were also present at the meeting, among others.

Later, Japan and Bangladesh signed six Memoranda of Understanding on economic, investment and other cooperation at the seminar.

Professor Yunus witnessed the signing of the MoUs on the sidelines of the seminar titled “Bangladesh Business Seminar” in Tokyo.

The Chief Adviser congratulated all parties involved, saying, “Now it is our task to implement. I am movedz

Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), delivered the welcome speech, while Fumiya Kokubu, Chairman of the Japan Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC) and Director, Member of the Board, Executive Corporate Adviser, Marubeni Corporation, also spoke.