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The same is the case for opening a bank account or an office here. An
investor needs to get permission from 8-9 different government
offices. All these impediments coupled with infrastructure problem
discourage increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh, a press
briefing was told yesterday. "We expect a big boost in Japanese
investment in future. But investors of the country face some problems
here. We will lobby the government for a solution," said Annisul Huq,
president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FBCCI), at the press meet. The press briefing was organised
at Sonargaon hotel to share the outcome of the 15 th meeting of
Japan-Bangladesh Joint Committee for Commercial and Economic
Cooperation. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Tamotsu Shinotsuka and
Chairman of the joint committee Toshihito Tamba were also present at
the briefing. At the meeting, participants discussed increased
investment and enhancement of bilateral trade relations between the
two countries. Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, especially knitwear makers,
demanded easing the rules of origin to increase exports to Japan. In
fiscal 2008-09 Bangladesh exported goods worth $ 202.60 million to
Japan against the import of $1 , 015.38 million. "We want Japan's
support at the upcoming WTO ministerial to avail of duty- and
quota-free access to the developed markets," said the FBCCI
president. "Many of the problems can be solved if a trade agreement
is signed between the two countries," he said. Toshihito Tamba urged
the government and ministries concerned to take steps to remove the
hurdles faced by the Japanese investors.
