The optimism of forging closer relations between Japan and Bangladesh expressed by the newly appointed Japanese ambassador to this country transcends the level of customary bonhomie exuded on the occasion of presenting credentials. When he mentions Japan's desire to improve the investment climate in Bangladesh and security -- two disparate issues, the diplomat has in his mind a strong background as well as a highly tragic incident in which eight Japanese consultants were killed. The loss of lives of those eight Japanese in a terror attack in a Gulshan cafe temporary halted Japan-aided projects in Bangladesh. But now Japan has renewed the operation of those projects. This means Japan will continue to lead, as usual, in its role as the largest development partner of public and private sectors in Bangladesh. So, the ambassador's claim is well substantiated.
In this respect, his country's recognition of the strategic geographic location of Bangladesh within a triangle of three growing markets -- India, China and South-East Asia -- comes as a plus point for this nation. This geographic advantage is further complemented by a large pool of young people or, in other words, working hands. Japan where the population has been aging for quite sometime and the condition has forced transfer of industrial plants elsewhere with supply of abundant and cheap labour is quick to spot the merit in investing here. If the Japanese technology transfer is backed by pursuance of its enterprise and work ethics here in Bangladesh, both countries stand to gain primarily in terms of economy and also socially. Under the "Japan-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership" established during the mutual visits to each other's country by the prime ministers of Japan and Bangladesh, large investment in the country's infrastructure has already taken place. More investment, particularly in power generation and improved transportation, is needed. Japan seems to be quite aware of this need.
Once the infrastructures in various sectors get up to the mark, transfer of technology -- either in the form of setting up of new industries or shipment of productive units -- can follow. Many South-East Asian nations, including Malaysia, have been the destinations of such technology transfer. Bangladesh may well be a suitable candidate soon. The process of cooperation has to be expedited with help from Japan. Bangladesh, on its part, needs to overcome its bureaucratic red tape that at times hampers rather than facilitates the process. For example, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) made fund for the elevated expressway available much earlier but the Bangladesh side failed to complete the formalities of paperwork causing delay to release of the fund.
Last but not least, as a recipient of Japanese support, Bangladesh has to be smarter. The next challenge to be posed to forming an intensive partnership is on the front of human resource sector. Abundance of labour does not guarantee quality manpower. All this country now needs is to plan for developing a highly skilled workforce which can respond to the requirement of technological and technical challenges when Japanese investment in this particular area takes place. The two countries should set up institutions and/or decide curricula for the existing polytechnic and vocational institutes in the country in order to produce the right kind of technical hands they will need in the future.
