Bilateral ties with Japan and potentials within socio-economic matrix

On September 25, 2024, retired Bangladesh Ambassadors of AOFA organised an interactive session with Ambassador Iwama Kiminori of Japan to Bangladesh. The dialogue had several significant dimensions and recalled not only the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Japan since 1972 but also Japan's pivotal role in Bangladesh's infrastructure and connectivity, highlighting the multifaceted partnership across various sectors.

The discussion recalled the leading role of Japan in sectors such as IT and automated manufacturing. It was also stressed that there needs to be continued cooperation between the two countries in new areas such as regional security, maritime affairs, sustainable development and climate change.

In his in-depth presentation, Ambassador Kiminori briefly highlighted elements of Japan's foreign policy including their commitment to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), focusing on inclusiveness, diversity, and openness. He also outlined the four pillars of cooperation under FOIP, emphasising peace, prosperity, and regional security.

Reflecting on over 50 years of Japan-Bangladesh relations, the Japanese Ambassador highlighted key milestones in the relationship, including Japan's recognition of Bangladesh in 1972, announcing the Comprehensive Partnership in 2014 and elevating it to Strategic Partnership in 2023, which deepened cooperation. He also noted the increased presence of Japanese companies in Bangladesh and Japan's ODA commitment to Public-Private Joint Economic Dialogue (PPED) and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. He also mentioned new initiatives and trends such as the rising interest in learning Japanese. He concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening ties for the future and expressed commitment of Japan to respect the policy decisions of Bangladesh.

Following the in-depth presentation of the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Yuji Andu, Country Representative of JETRO Bangladesh and President, JBCCI offered his insights about the investment opportunities, bureaucratic limitations and other structural issues related to Bangladesh. He explained how Japan had reduced the number of ministries to attain greater efficiency and reduce bureaucratic red tape. He lso suggested reduction of corruption and advancement of a business-friendly environment for promotion of business between the two countries.

To a question about the possibility of inviting Hon'ble Chief Adviser to Japan and Japan's views on enhancing people-to-people exchanges and defence cooperation, Ambassador Kiminori responded that Japan was keen to engage with the current government in Bangladesh and would extend invitation to Hon'ble Chief Advisor at an appropriate time. He also stressed Japan's willingness to enhance cooperation in all sectors, including people- to-people cooperation and defence. He further emphasised Japan's commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh, in the light of the priorities of the new government and continuing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He also clarified that Japanese companies were not withdrawing from Bangladesh and stressed the importance of improving the investment environment to attract more foreign businesses, particularly from Japan.

On a query regarding the Japan Foundation, he clarified that the Foundation's primary focus was on cultural exchange. He emphasised for promoting cooperation across various sectors, including defence and academia, and hoped for a swift recovery of the domestic situation in Bangladesh.

On a request for his perspective on the Matarbari power plant-- with reference to recent remarks that the project was a luxury project-- Ambassador Kiminori mentioned the sensitivity of the issue and refrained from providing a specific response. He mentioned Japan's past consultations with the former government, emphasising the project's utility for Bangladesh.

To another query on Japan's role on the Rohingya issue-- given its humanitarian support-- Ambassador Kiminori highlighted Japan's commitment for a dignified repatriation and a resolution of the issue despite the complexity of the existing situation.

Ambassador Kiminori also acknowledged strong economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan but emphasised for reassessing infrastructure projects according to the new government's priorities. He stressed the need for a better investment climate to attract foreign businesses and also indicated that the issue of possible agricultural cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh was also on the cards.

Regarding a query on Japan's position on QUAD and containment of China, he noted the complexities surrounding the Quad, mentioning that it encompassed security discussions as well as health and pandemic responses. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to fostering a positive relationship with China, emphasising cooperation based on common interests.

Regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and its role in Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status, Ambassador Kiminori noted that Japan offered duty-free access to LDCs, with the EPA providing a framework not only for transparent investment procedures and improved  business environment but also for attracting Japanese investment. With the current duty-free access ending, the EPA would establish a new framework.

In response to queries about academic and scientific cooperation,  Ambassador Kiminorii acknowledged the positive developments in academic exchanges between Japan and Bangladesh. He pointed out the existing frameworks, such as those of JICA, that promoted research collaboration. He  stressed the importance of enhancing these initiatives, fostering cooperation in various fields, especially in medical and technological research, to strengthen bilateral relations further.

Responding to a question regarding Bangladesh strategic location and how it could leverage benefits from projects like the Big B initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity in industry, trade, and energy, the Japanise Ambassador reiterated Japan's commitment to support initiatives that align with the current government's vision. He stressed the importance of responding to Bangladesh's priorities and exploring avenues for cooperation based on mutual interests.

In response to a question about Japan's diplomatic relations with different countries, Ambassador Kiminori acknowledged diplomatic challenges, especially with China, both the Koreas and Russia, and underlined that efforts are underway to overcome the challenges and thereby improve ties.

However, at this point, the focus of Japan's involvement needs to be also on food security and lifting the quality of life of the poorest of the poor in  many of our rural areas, and  create a greater balance by removing growing income inequality.

Those involved in politics in Bangladesh also need to understand that this is a country where politicisation of efforts can only create obstacles towards the current efforts that are being taken to reduce poverty.  We also must not forget that removal of poverty will also enhance our chances of gender equality and better movement forward for our youth population.

The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund have all been carefully monitoring the economic activities of Bangladesh and have also been suggesting how to overcome existing challenges in the financial sector. Very correctly they are reiterating that Bangladesh has to be careful and bring forth accountability for reduction of poverty. It has been stressed that this will then enable Bangladesh to reach the goal of becoming a middle-income country and also be free of extreme poverty by 2030. It has also been underlined that Bangladesh, to sustain its economic growth needs to focus on developing energy and transport infrastructure, improve the quality of healthcare, education and governance and also strengthen anti-corruption measures.

In this context, attention may also be drawn to the fact that Bangladesh is not only vulnerable to natural disasters but is also faced with the challenges of climate variability through adaptation and mitigation.

Writer: Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.

Source: The Financial Express.