The government has sought a budget support loan from Japan to stabilise the country's macroeconomy, which has been under severe pressure for quite a long time.
Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed made the appeal during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh IWAMA Kiminori at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Monday.
"I told them that we need budget support, need money for macroeconomic stability. They said they would consider it in a global context. But they have noted it down," the adviser told reporters after the meeting.
During the meeting, Japan requested assurance that all projects initiated under the previous Awami League government would continue.
"They want assurance that the projects that are going on will continue. I said every project will go ahead," said the adviser.
He said Japan is Bangladesh's largest bilateral development partner, traditionally providing project loans for development initiatives.
The island nation has been involved in several large-scale projects in Bangladesh, including the Dhaka Metro Rail, the Matarbari power plant and a port in Cox's Bazar.
About 350 Japanese companies are now operating in Bangladesh, with a total investment of around $380 million. The number of Japanese firms in Bangladesh has quadrupled over the past decade, according to unofficial estimates.
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the Japanese ambassador had talked about reforms in the banking sector, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and customs.
"They want a business-friendly environment in the country. I assured them that the business environment will be improved," he said.
The adviser said he also sought increased funding in the coming days, including in the education and health sectors, which the ambassador had assured would be considered.
He also invited a higher flow of private sector investment from Japan into Bangladesh. Japan is building an export processing zone in Narayanganj.
The adviser requested them to complete it as soon as possible.
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