Japanese Minister of Agriculture and Special Envoy Suzuki Norikazu led a high-level delegation to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the National Parliament complex. The Japanese minister congratulated Rahman on assuming office and expressed optimism about elevating Bangladesh–Japan relations. He emphasized advancing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and expanding cooperation in agriculture and technology.

During the meeting, the Japanese side showed interest in increasing food exports to Bangladesh and supporting agricultural and technological collaboration. Prime Minister Rahman highlighted employment generation for youth as a key government priority and invited Japanese investment in agriculture, electronics, and the automobile sectors. He also expressed interest in sending skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan, particularly in healthcare and agriculture, which the Japanese delegation welcomed positively.

Both sides discussed ongoing Japanese-assisted projects, including the Matarbari deep-sea port, metro rail, and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Japan announced USD 17.5 million in aid for the Rohingya crisis, while the Prime Minister stressed safe repatriation. Japan also invited Rahman for an official visit, which he accepted in principle.