Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday sought enhanced Japanese cooperation in human resource development and skills training, urging Tokyo to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi workers by expanding Japanese language training opportunities. He made the call when Japan’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Uno Yoshimasa paid a courtesy call on him at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

According to United News of Bangladesh, during the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to meet growing international demand and sought enhanced Japanese cooperation in this endeavor. He urged Japan to recruit more skilled Bangladeshi healthcare workers, agricultural workers, and drivers.

The Prime Minister called on Uno Yoshimasa to expand Japanese language training opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. He also encouraged Japanese companies to increase their investment in Bangladesh, assuring full governmental support if Japan decides to establish another industrial park similar to the one in Araihazar, Narayanganj.

Additionally, Tarique Rahman highlighted the importance of joint efforts to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The meeting reviewed progress on major infrastructure projects being implemented with Japanese assistance, including the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, set to be inaugurated on December 16, and the ongoing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Overseas Employment for the Asia-Pacific region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan attended the meeting. The Japanese delegation included Assistant Vice Minister for International Aviation at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakayama Rieko, officials of the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi.