Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home early Sunday morning, bringing an end to his four-day official visit to Japan, which has significantly bolstered bilateral relations between the two nations. His flight with Singapore Airlines landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:15 am, marking the conclusion of a highly productive trip, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir.
During his stay, Prof Yunus engaged in high-level talks aimed at deepening economic and strategic cooperation. His Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, highlighted that the visit has elevated Bangladesh’s relationship with Japan to new heights through expanded and more profound collaboration.
One of the key highlights was the bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Friday, where both leaders pledged to expedite the conclusion of a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement aims to further strengthen trade ties and economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba also announced a significant commitment of $1.063 billion to Bangladesh for budget support and railway development projects. Additionally, three important documents were signed on the same day, covering a Development Policy Loan of $418 million for economic reform and climate resilience, a $641 million loan for the Joydebpur-Ishwardi dual-gauge railway project, and a $4.2 million grant for human resource development scholarships.
Earlier in the trip, Prof Yunus addressed the ‘Bangladesh Business Seminar,’ where six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to promote economic, investment, and cooperation initiatives. The agreements also included efforts to enhance skills development and facilitate employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, addressing the country’s labor shortage crisis.
At a human resources seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese authorities and businesses announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years, further strengthening labor ties.
Prof Yunus also delivered the keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia, emphasizing Bangladesh’s growing role in regional development. On the sidelines of the forum, he met with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, urging support for Bangladesh’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In recognition of his lifelong contributions to social innovation and global development, Prof Yunus received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Soka University during his visit. A recipient of the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004, he continues to be a prominent figure in advancing social and economic progress worldwide.
Prof Yunus’s Japan visit has undoubtedly opened new avenues for cooperation, promising a brighter future for Bangladesh’s economic and social development through strengthened international partnerships.
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