Anti-graft steps to attract more Japanese investment: Okada
Dhaka, Apr 4 (UNB) - Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada here on Friday suggested anti-corruption measures and resolving other difficulties like gas shortage to attract more investment from Japanese companies.
“Many Japanese companies are interested in Bangladesh. It’s a promising country, but there are some difficulties like gas deficit. It’s important to solve these issues one by one,” he told a pre-departure press conference at Shahjalal International Airport this (Friday) afternoon.
Okada, who came here Thursday on a short visit, said Japan will support Bangladesh to overcome the challenges as investment from Japan is increasing in this country.
About the Japan’s financing of the Padma Bridge project, he said the issue was discussed during his meetings with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition here on Thursday.
Okada said “we remain committed” but Japan alone cannot support this big project. He said the Bangladesh government and the World Bank need to end the impasse through consultations.
World Bank suspended its loan commitment of US$ 1.2 billion over alleged corruption in appointing consultants for the mega project. Japan’s commitment was $ 400 million while ADB’s $ 615 million and IDB’s $ 140 million.
Asked about Japan’s fund for the Metro Rail project, the Japanese deputy prime Minister said it is under examination. He said Japan provided economic support to Bangladesh and they will continue it in the future.
Referring to his visit to a Japanese textile factory here today (Friday), Okada said he was impressed by the Bangladeshi workers there working hard.
He said Bangladesh is a potential country. “Bangladesh is a diamond. If you shine it will be a real diamond.”
Asked about his impression about political and human rights situation in Bangladesh, Okada said Bangladesh and Japan share common values of democracy. There are some problems which need to be resolved by Bangladeshi politicians.
Okada said his visit that marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Tokyo would further deepen the bilateral relations in the next 40 years and beyond.
Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque was present at the airport to see off the Japanese Deputy Prime Minister. Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin was present.
“Many Japanese companies are interested in Bangladesh. It’s a promising country, but there are some difficulties like gas deficit. It’s important to solve these issues one by one,” he told a pre-departure press conference at Shahjalal International Airport this (Friday) afternoon.
Okada, who came here Thursday on a short visit, said Japan will support Bangladesh to overcome the challenges as investment from Japan is increasing in this country.
About the Japan’s financing of the Padma Bridge project, he said the issue was discussed during his meetings with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition here on Thursday.
Okada said “we remain committed” but Japan alone cannot support this big project. He said the Bangladesh government and the World Bank need to end the impasse through consultations.
World Bank suspended its loan commitment of US$ 1.2 billion over alleged corruption in appointing consultants for the mega project. Japan’s commitment was $ 400 million while ADB’s $ 615 million and IDB’s $ 140 million.
Asked about Japan’s fund for the Metro Rail project, the Japanese deputy prime Minister said it is under examination. He said Japan provided economic support to Bangladesh and they will continue it in the future.
Referring to his visit to a Japanese textile factory here today (Friday), Okada said he was impressed by the Bangladeshi workers there working hard.
He said Bangladesh is a potential country. “Bangladesh is a diamond. If you shine it will be a real diamond.”
Asked about his impression about political and human rights situation in Bangladesh, Okada said Bangladesh and Japan share common values of democracy. There are some problems which need to be resolved by Bangladeshi politicians.
Okada said his visit that marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Tokyo would further deepen the bilateral relations in the next 40 years and beyond.
Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque was present at the airport to see off the Japanese Deputy Prime Minister. Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin was present.
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