Bangladesh must ensure long-term political stability, maintain policy consistency, and improve regulatory processes to create an environment conducive to attracting more Japanese investment, according to speakers at a discussion yesterday.

After a challenging year, Japanese companies in Bangladesh are eyeing 2025 with cautious optimism, as 50 percent anticipate a rise in operating profits despite persistent hurdles.

Like Japanese and Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh, domestic firms as well as those from other countries are not happy with the overall business climate in the country, said a number of entrepreneurs, heads of chambers and experts. 

Nearly 72 percent of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh want to expand their business in one or two years, said a survey of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) unveiled today.

Japanese ambassador says at JBCCI, Jetro seminar

Japan has critical interest in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Bangladesh, given that around 80 percent of its total trade volume passes through the ocean.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the Japanese businessmen to make larger investment in Bangladesh.

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan will reach $20 billion by 2030 from more than $3 billion at present as apparel shipments to the far eastern country are rising fast, according to Ito Naoki, Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh.