Talking to The Daily Star at his office here yesterday on the occasion of 33rd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries, Aso spoke about Japan's continued support for Bangladesh's development, its increased focus on democracy and good governance in the country and other issues.

"Japan has previously provided assistance for consolidation of democracy in Bangladesh, including personnel exchange, technical cooperation, and the dispatch of election observers. Japan intends to continue such assistance, utilising our knowledge, experience and technology," he said.

"I believe that, for Bangladesh, improving governance is one of the main pillars for policy efforts to achieve development and poverty reduction and also to promote trade and investment."

Aso said Japan intends to assist Bangladesh government in its efforts to improve governance. This includes assistance for its efforts to improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improve civil servants' training programmes, raising resident participation in local government and enhancing transparency as well as in capacity building efforts for implementation skills in major sectors.

"In the Country Assistance Programme for Bangladesh that is scheduled to be revised in the near future, Japan intends to prioritise development of the private sector, together with transportation and power," the Japanese foreign minister said.

As such Japan intends to continue assistance for improving the trade and investment environment, basic infrastructure development support as a means of invigorating investment and exports, as well as human resources development assistance to private sector companies, mentioned.

Japan believes that Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) can provide a framework for stability and development in the South Asian region. This is why it supported Saarc activities through the Japan-Saarc Special Fund since 1993m Aso said. "This was the first and the only financial assistance from a country outside the Saarc region," he pointed out.

"Japan was among the first to recognise Bangladesh's sovereign status after its independence in 1972. Even prior to independence and continuing to the present, Japan has continuously provided assistance to Bangladesh for poverty reduction and economic development, among other purposes," Aso noted.

'Japan intends to prioritize development of the private sector [in Bangladesh], together with transportation and power'

(Full interview on Point-Counterpoint Page)