Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative for Bangladesh Hitoshi Hirata said Japanese entrepreneurs see Bangladesh as the most attractive investment hub.
Terming Bangladesh a centre of development, he emphasised necessary changes through diversification of industrial sectors here.
"There are a lot of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) scattered throughout Bangladesh where Japan can come forward with their all-out support."
Both the countries maintain an excellent relationship, Mr Hirata said.
He said this at a seminar on the role of SMEs in the national economy at the Bangabandhu Conference Hall of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) recently.
The CCCI, Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chittagong AOTS Alumni Society (CAAS) and Bangladesh AOTS Alumni Society co-hosted the International Cooperation Organisation for SMEs in Asia (ICOSA).
Mr Hirata said Bangladesh secured unexpected growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) over a decade, which is very encouraging for its people.
ICOSA president Prof Dr Naohiro Kurose presented a keynote paper with CCCI president Mahbubul Alam in the chair.
A 17-member business delegation from Japan also participated in the seminar.
The keynoter gave a vivid picture of success in the SME sector in Japan after the Second World War.
Meanwhile, the CCCI chief said Japan continues to contribute to infrastructure, communications and energy sectors in Bangladesh through JICA.
A very strong economy Japan has built through the SME sector which is a model for the growth of Bangladesh SME sector as well, he mentioned.
Mr Alam said women entrepreneurs constitute a major part in the local SME sector and they deserve a special attention from the stakeholders concerned.
He sought more Japanese investment in the economic zones here.
The government is giving financial, technological and consultative support to women entrepreneurs through SME Foundation, BSCIC and Basic Bank.
AK Khan Group of Industries managing director Salahuddin Kasem Khan highlighted the need for a separate SME cell in every chamber and an SME zone in every specialised economic zone.
Honorary consul of Japan Md Nurul Islam, CCCI vice-president Syed Jamal Ahmed, ICOSA steering committee member AKM Moazzem Hossain and CAAS president Saifuddin Ahmed, among others, spoke.
CCCI directors, women chamber directors, representatives of investment and financial institutions, REHAB, SME Helpline BD and Frozen Fruits Association joined the seminar.