Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday sought Japan's all-out support to build a new Bangladesh, reports BSS.
"I came here to thank you and design the next steps," he told the "Bangladesh Business Seminar in Tokyo" hosted by Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and JICA at JETRO headquarters.
"We are in big trouble. Literally, Bangladesh has gone through a 16-year earthquake. Everything fell apart...we are trying to pick up pieces," Yunus said.
Terming Japan a friend of Bangladesh, he said a good friend comes out in hard times and this friend is Japan.
"Our task is to make impossible possible, and you are our partner and our friend. Make that happen," he added.
Noting that it is a historical challenge for all, the chief adviser said they want to show that history is done with perfection, not somehow.
"Lay the foundation of another Bangladesh, which we call the new Bangladesh...so our task is together to create that new Bangladesh," he said.
"With your support, it is very much doable and we have already laid the foundation of it."
Expressing his gratitude to Japan for its support in developing Matarbari, Yunus said it laid the foundation of the economy of a country that is lagging behind.
"It is not about making money... it is about changing people, their lives," he said.
The chief adviser said Bangladesh is the doorway of many more millions of people ,as people of Nepal, Bhutan andthe seven sisters of India can get access to the sea through Bangladesh.
"Matarbari is the doorway to the rest of the world. We will keep the door open for them," he added.
TAKEUCHI Shinji, Japan's parliamentary vice minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said Bangladesh is a strategic point connecting Asia, and it has been playing an important role in developing the region.
Since the establishment of Japan and Bangladesh diplomatic relations, Japan continues to support Bangladesh's development, he said.
Shinji said the Japanese government is trying to enhance a strategic partnership with Bangladesh under the leadership of Yunus.
He also said the Japanese government is encouraging its companies to invest in South Asia, including Bangladesh.
Japanese companies can help Bangladesh achieve sustainable growth by strengthening cooperation in various fields, utilising investment-friendly environment.
Stating that Japan's bilateral trade ties with Bangladesh are mainly centred on tthe extile industry, he called for its diversification into a wide range of fields.
Foreign Adviser 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 to Tokyo Daud Ali were also present at the meeting, among others.
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