Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, paid an official visit to Bangladesh from September 6-7, 2014 at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was in response to Sheikh Hasina's official visit to Japan from May 25-28, 2014. The bilateral relationship between the two countries was elevated to a new level during Hasina's visit through the launching of the concept of "Comprehensive Partnership" based on the shared values of peace, democracy, human rights and rule of law. During Abe's visit to Dhaka, the two Prime Ministers reiterated their resolve to widen bilateral relationship and intensify the engagement of both countries within the paradigm of bilateral, regional, international and multilateral areas that are of mutual interest and related to socio-economic development, healthcare, peace and stability in South Asia. In this context, both countries also shared the view on the importance of promoting democratic principles globally.
It is understood that Bangladesh, in particular, appreciated Japan's outstanding achievements in socio-economic development and its valuable contribution in socio-economic and infrastructural development in South Asia. In response, Japan praised Bangladesh's success in several economic and social sectors and its efforts towards gender empowerment, becoming a middle-income country by 2021, in promoting peace, stability and progress at regional and global level. Belief was also expressed that the momentum in intensifying cooperation would be taken forward through regular bilateral consultations and the recently launched Foreign Secretary-level dialogue between the two countries. Discussion on the issues raised in the first meeting of the "Joint Bangladesh-Japan Public-Private Economic Dialogue" held in Dhaka on August 21, 2014, was held up as an example.
It was stressed in this regard that the presence of high-ranking government officials and participation of representatives from private sectors of the two countries would be able to identify the challenges related to foreign direct Japanese investment, particularly with reference to critical factors like location, competitive incentives, and improvement of infrastructure and labour supply for Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This would also enable Bangladesh's foreign investment regulatory authorities to take necessary steps pertaining to the ensuring of stable supply of primary energy and power to the industries.
Both countries emphasised that if the factors could be streamlined, then that would promote bilateral trade and investment. It was also clarified that the holding of the "Bangladesh-Japan Business Forum" and the role of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Board of Investment (BoI) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in this regard need to be further coordinated. It was noted that this was especially important to encourage Japanese Tech-Oriented SMEs (small and medium enterprises) investment in Bangladesh through the establishment of JETRO's SME support platform in Dhaka.
As expected, the two sides shared views on the direction of economic cooperation to be pursued under the initiative of the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) and the need for strengthening collaboration and cooperation in project formulation and implementation through policy dialogue. In this context, as detailed in the Joint Communique published at the end of Abe's visit, the two Prime Ministers shared their intention to carry out cooperation in the areas of 1) transport network improvement, 2) stable power supply, 3) urban development such as economic zone development, and 4) private sector development such as financial accessibility promotion. While noting the three pillars of the BIG-B initiative, namely 1) developing economic infrastructure, 2) improving investment environment, and 3) fostering connectivity, the two leaders shared expectation that BIG-B initiative, with maximum use of Japan's advanced technologies, such as high efficient coal-fired power generation, would contribute to mutual benefits and prosperity of both countries.
Both countries agreed that stable energy supply was the key to economic development. Consequently, they reaffirmed the importance of strengthening energy cooperation including in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. They would hold meetings that would help to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the area of peaceful and safe uses of nuclear energy and human resources capacity building, as well as to share the experience and lessons learned from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of Tokyo Electric Power Company. It may be noted here that support of Japan Atomic Energy Agency's Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) has already started and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission is in close contact with the ISCN since June this year.
Another important area of discussion focused on exchanging experience data on how to handle and mitigate the after-effects of natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods and sedimentation and their possible impact in future due to climate change as a result of global warming. It was decided that there would be sharing of information for research on, and management of natural disasters through technology transfer. Japan also agreed in principle to maintain close cooperation for implementing the Bilateral Offset Credit Mechanism (BOCM) in order to promote investment in low carbon technologies, particularly adaptive to the changing needs of and challenges in Bangladesh. Within this parameter, the two countries also agreed to make an effort to utilise highly efficient coal-fired power generation technology for energy security and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The visit, as expected, focused on agriculture and the importance of establishing food value chain from farmers to consumers by making beneficial investment in Bangladesh, including through public-private partnership (PPP). It was emphasised that having stronger agricultural cooperation between the two countries would promote the improvement of food productivity, crop diversification and the development of agricultural infrastructure. This, in turn, would help better maintain food safety, food security, promote steady social and economic growth and multiple functions such as conserving lands and preserving biodiversity. Associated with this was discussion on how Bangladesh could best use its marine resources in a sustainable manner based on scientific evidence. In this context, the two sides agreed to work together for promoting the idea of Blue Economy. This last element has gained prominence after the recent adjudication of maritime territories in the Bay of Bengal in favour of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh during discussions highlighted its 'zero-tolerance' approach to all forms of terrorism, financing of terrorism and violent extremism. Japan appreciated Bangladesh's commitment not to allow any terrorist individual or entity to use its territory against its neighbours and others. It was agreed that the existing bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism between the two countries would be enhanced further in depth and dimension through future cooperation related to transnational crime issues.
In matters pertaining to international affairs, Bangladesh welcomed Japan's increasing efforts to contribute to peace and stability of the region and the world. Both countries also underscored the importance of the freedom of navigation. They shared the view that international disputes and issues should be resolved peacefully and all relevant countries should adhere to relevant international law as well as globally agreed norms and practices. In this regard, special emphasis was given to the importance of overflight over the high seas and civil aviation safety, in accordance with the principles of international law and the relevant standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Japan appreciated Bangladesh's leadership in the UNPKO (UN Peacekeeping Operations) as one of the largest Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) and Bangladesh's proactive role as a member of the Peace-building Commission.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation in various regional cooperative frameworks, including the SAARC, ACD, ASEM and ARF, for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Both countries not only expressed their big concern over the death of innocent civilians, including women and children, and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also reiterated the need for renewed efforts by the concerned international actors to resume the Middle East Peace Process for ensuring durable peace and security in the region. They expressed their unequivocal support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to establish a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine.
Japan expressed its expectation for further discussion between Myanmar and Bangladesh on the question of repatriation of Myanmar refugees, presently in Bangladesh, back to their country. Japan went one step more by promising to continue supporting Bangladesh in looking after the refugees in keeping with the spirit of international burden sharing.
In their wide-ranging discussion the two sides appreciated the importance of promoting cultural harmony, maintaining diversity and richness of different cultures, and of promoting dialogue and mutual learning among cultures with a view to sharing the progress of human civilisation. One believes that such awareness will deepen cultural and educational ties between the two countries through cultural and educational exchange programmes for promoting greater understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
As a significant gesture of deep amity and cooperation towards Japan, Bangladesh announced that it would support Japan's candidature from the Asia Pacific Group for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2016-17, and simultaneously withdraw its candidature in favour of Japan. Some political parties, while endorsing government efforts to the building of ties with Japan, have however expressed their disagreement with regard to the decision to withdraw from the race. In this context, it is observed that we have to learn to see the broader spectrum and not remain confined in narrow diameters.
Abe's visit has been the second important step in strengthening our ties with Japan in the last few months. We now have to build on this foundation and rise above political partisanship and bureaucratic tangles. We must remember that time is of the essence in our relations both with Japan and China. There is no other option.
The writer, a former Ambassador, is an
analyst specialised in foreign affairs,
right to information and good governance.
mzamir@dhaka.net
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