Several MoUs expected during PM Tarique Rahman's Japan visit; Tokyo says it will further strengthen the strategic partnership
Several memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming visit to Japan. Japan has also said the visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan.
Diplomatic circles in both countries are now abuzz over the visit. News of preparations over the agenda and possible agreements and MoUs is coming from both capitals, Dhaka and Tokyo. The prime minister's visit is being seen as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
According to Japan, Tarique Rahman's visit will deepen the existing strategic partnership. Bangladesh and Japan have a long history of economic cooperation, investment and development partnership, and concerned quarters believe the visit will try to take that relationship to a new level.
Expectations of several MoUs being signed during the visit have been reported. There has been no official announcement yet on which sectors the MoUs may cover. However, in continuation of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, trade, investment and infrastructure, among other sectors, are thought likely to feature in the discussions.
Japan is one of Bangladesh's largest development partners. Japanese cooperation has long continued in infrastructure, energy and human resource development, among other sectors. Bangladesh has also become an important destination for Japanese investors.
Within the framework of the strategic partnership, the two countries have also increased cooperation on regional and international issues. Coordination of positions on these issues may also receive importance during the prime minister's visit.
Diplomatic sources in Dhaka say a successful visit would bring new momentum to bilateral trade and investment. Discussions during the visit could open the way for more investment in Bangladesh by Japanese companies in particular.
Concerned quarters are awaiting an official announcement on the detailed programme of the visit and the MoUs to be signed. Once announced, the full picture of the visit will become clear.
The Bangladesh prime minister's Japan visit has also drawn interest in the media of both countries. Since the visit was announced, its possible agenda has been widely discussed.
All in all, expectations of a new chapter in Dhaka–Tokyo relations have been created around Tarique Rahman's Japan visit. Japan's message that the strategic partnership will grow stronger has reinforced that expectation. All eyes are now on which MoUs are signed during the visit.
