Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi arrived in Dhaka on Sunday on a two-day visit to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Director General of East Asia and Pacific Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Toufique Hasan received him at the airport.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori was also present.

During the visit, the Japanese Minister is scheduled to attend a business summit titled “Bangladesh-Japan Economic Relations for the next 50 years” in Dhaka arranged by JETRO in joint collaboration with BIDA and FBCCI.

Besides, he is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun apart from his participation in Bangladesh-Japan Trade Summit in Dhaka.

The Japanese Minister will also meet State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and State Minister for ICT to discuss issues of mutual interest.

He is also expected to visit the ongoing metro project and construction of the 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

“The visit remains focused on economic cooperation,” a senior official at the Commerce Ministry told reporters.

He said the Japanese Minister will also experience travelling Metro Rail from Uttara North metro station on July 24.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to Japan from April 25 to 28 this year.

During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Hasina on April 26.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the successful conduct of the first meeting of the Joint Study Group on the possibility of a Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in April 2023 and expected its steady progress.

They also welcomed the signing of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with a view to promoting further cooperation between the respective Customs Administrations.

The Japanese Minister is likely to discuss the findings of a joint study on signing the proposed EPA for boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

Nishimura is also scheduled to hold meetings with members of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD).