Public and private sectors of Japan and Bangladesh will sit in Dhaka on July 04 to resolve issues hindering trade and investment environment between the two countries.
Sources said the date of the 4th Joint Japan-Bangladesh Public-Private Economic Dialogue (PPED) was finalised during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan from May 28-31.
Principal Coordinator (SDG) Abul Kalam Azad who led three other PPEDs met with the Vice-Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan to hold the next meeting.
The launch of PPED was a part of the Japan-Bangladesh comprehensive partnership which was signed during the meetings between the two prime ministers in 2014.
The first PPED was held in Dhaka in August 21, 2014 under the auspicious of the Prime Minister's Office and METI just prior to the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to Bangladesh.
The 2nd meeting was held in Japan on 15 April 2015 and the 3rd on October 31 in Japan.
Sources said the dialogue is convened to address the problems private sectors of both the countries face in doing business and making investment. Private business delegations and business associations as well as ministries and agencies concerned attend it.
Japanese investment in the country has increased with operation of 10 times more firms over the last decade. Meanwhile, both the governments have made progress in selecting six projects under Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Japan is also working to establish a special economic zone for Japanese firms in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj.
A recent survey conducted by Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) showed that most of the Japanese companies continued doing business in Bangladesh. But it expressed concern over the highest-ever time in clearing cargo and ensuring quality control.
The Bangladesh side has so far focused on an increase in contributions to the public and private sectors of Japan on infrastructural development mainly rail, road, bridge, energy and water resources.
Issues of technology transfer, and capacity building through partnership and investment also came up for discussion during the previous meetings.
Both the PMO and MoFA officials said this year's agenda has not yet been finalised.
smunima@yahoo.com