The upward thrust to the traditionally deep rooted Bangladesh-Japan relationship has been quite noticeable, particularly since Shinzo Abe took over as Japan's prime minister for the second time in 2012. We are certain that the trend will receive an even greater momentum by his visit to our country

Japan has been not only a longtime friend but also a time tested one offering us its unstinted support despite its facing economic crunch at times; we notice with deep gratitude that there was no pull back in its level of support even after the devastating tsunami in 2006. 

The fact that Japan attaches great significance to furthering development cooperation between the two countries through the visit is borne out by the very composition of Prime Minister Abe's entourage. As many as 50 executives from top companies of Japan involved in varieties of activities are accompanying him to Dhaka. And the first meeting he and his team had was with the business leaders of Bangladesh. And that, we are certain, will help advance the “Japan-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership” even further.

In our march towards a middle income country, friends like Japan have been important and indispensable partners. And Japan shares with us the view that Bangladesh must diversify and seek newer markets for its products, particularly to the East, including Japan, to attain that status. For that Japan's support for our rapid growth is vital. And to encourage Japanese investment, which is imperative for our growth, we must do all we can to remove the bureaucratic rigmaroles to facilitate Japanese investors who are willing to invest in Bangladesh in a big way.