Japan ready to help Bangladesh in many ways: Sadoshima

Japan wants to see the ‘real start’ to make a difference in Bangladesh and considers Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Dhaka visit a mission of ‘actions’ in doing business together with special focus on investment.
“Our focus is on investment and the environment for those investments. We want this visit to become the real beginning of making a difference,” Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Shiro Sadoshima told UNB in an interview at his office.
The diplomat said both the Prime Ministers – Sheikh Hasina and Abe -- laid out a ‘framework’ for broader engagement between the two countries, when Hasina visited Japan in May this year. “So this time is to take action. First action is to make a difference in business, particularly investment.”
Sadoshima, looking very excited ahead of Abe’s visit, said their mission is to invite a greater number of investments in Bangladesh from Japan, but the ultimate decision will be taken by the investors considering favourable environment.
“Your government and your people are sitting in the driver’s seat. We’re sitting beside you to help you. And of course, we also have our own vision,” said the envoy.
Responding to a question, the Japanese diplomat said there are issues that need to be addressed for winning Japanese investors hearts.
He, however, mentioned three major factors -- land acquisition, energy supply and transaction cost (administrative procedures) that urgently need to be addressed. “We’re asking your government to create an environment for investment in terms of land, energy, transaction cost.”
Simultaneously, Sadoshima said, they are asking their investors to take a serious look at Bangladesh and Japan is ready to help it in many ways, including financing, constructing large infrastructures and to deal with the shortcomings.
The Japanese envoy said Bangladesh can take the opportunity to become a hub of production and supply base of finished quality products ensuring a very ‘typical win-win’ situation.
Asked why they prefer Bangladesh for investment, the diplomat said, “As I observe our mentality is common. This country is more like us. I hope our investors will feel much happier to operate here.”