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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held talks with a high-level delegation from Japan’s leading trading and investment firm Marubeni Corporation on potential investments in Bangladesh’s information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy sectors, including the possibility of establishing a second KAFCO fertiliser plant.
The delegation, led by Marubeni President and CEO Masayuki Omoto, paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday (October 11).
During the meeting, Tarique said the government was working to create a favourable environment for domestic and foreign investment to harness the country’s economic potential and generate employment.
He welcomed Marubeni’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s IT, fertiliser and energy sectors, and stressed expanding the company’s longstanding business ties with the country, particularly in jute products, while exploring new areas of cooperation.
Marubeni representatives said they were seriously considering Bangladesh’s investment potential.
The talks also focused on the growing prospects of Bangladesh’s IT sector and plans to develop a skilled workforce. The government’s efforts to equip engineering graduates with expertise in IT and cybersecurity were discussed, with participants noting that Bangladesh could emerge as an important international service hub by leveraging its skilled workforce, technological capacity and competitive services.
The meeting also discussed plans to launch an AI-based data centre in Bangladesh within the next 12 months. Marubeni expressed strong interest in the initiative.
Both sides explored opportunities for Marubeni to invest in and provide technological support for expanding the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture.
The possible expansion of Marubeni’s existing investment in Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) in Chattogram, as well as the establishment of a second KAFCO plant in Bangladesh, also featured in the discussions. Marubeni expressed positive interest in the proposal.
The participants further expressed optimism that the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan would strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries once it takes effect.
Among those present from the Bangladesh government were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Shakirul Islam Khan.
Marubeni was also represented by Susumu Wakamori, CEO for Southwest Asia, and Manabu Sugawara, the company’s country head in Bangladesh.
