Tarique Urges Uniqlo to Expand Investment in Bangladesh’s RMG Sector

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo to expand its investment in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable apparel, pledging government support for the expansion.

The call came during a meeting with a delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Fast Retailing Co Ltd, Uniqlo’s parent company, at 10:30am local time in Tokyo, according to the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

Tarique praised Uniqlo for its confidence in Bangladesh and acknowledged its parent company’s longstanding business engagement with the country.

The meeting focused on opportunities to increase investment in Bangladesh’s garment industry, particularly in man-made fibres, technical textiles and sustainable clothing production.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environmentally friendly production processes.

Tarique said his government was ready to provide the necessary support to help Uniqlo expand its operations in Bangladesh.

He also highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land arrangements, investment approvals and other administrative clearances to support the company’s expansion.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), expressing hope that it would help strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The Bangladesh delegation included Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

The Japanese delegation also included Fast Retailing Director Takeshi Okazaki and Group Senior Executive Officer Yoshihiro Kunii.