Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Atiur Rahman has requested his Japanese counterpart Haruhiko Kuroda to encourage Japanese investors and companies to establish research and development (R& D) facilities in Bangladesh.
 
The central bank chef, now in Japan, made the request during a meeting with the Bank of Japan governor at the latter’s office in Tokyo on Thursday  mentioning the cost competitiveness of Bangladesh’s manufacturing base, according to a BB press statement.

The BB governor also mooted the idea of Bangladesh’s inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP).
 
The two central bank governors exchanged notes about their proactive policies to accelerate the pace of economic growth of their respective countries.
 
Mr. Kuroda appreciated the role of Bangladesh Bank governor in pursuing inclusive financing for sustainable development.
 
Dr. Rahman highlighted sound macroeconomic stability currently prevailing in Bangladesh because of the prudent monetary policy as recognized by international rating agencies.
 
Later, the BB governor met with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Satoshi Miyamoto.
 
Miyamoto informed the BB governor about various initiatives to attract Japanese investors to Bangladesh.
 
He also pointed the need to improve the business environment and better infrastructural facilities in Bangladesh.
 
Mr. Rahman reassured Miyamoto that he will take all possible measures to facilitate better business environment and support all foreign investors including those from Japan to remove existing bottlenecks.

Earlier on Wednesday, the BB governor met Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and JICA Vice President. Mr. I chirp Tsukada, MP Secretary General Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary League hosted a working lunch for the Governor at the Diet Office Building, the sttement added.

BBN/SSR/AD-21Mar14-7:28 pm (BST)