Staff Correspondent

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has underscored Bangladesh's strategic geographical positioning at the intersection of South Asia and ASEAN, stating that it offers Japanese investors a gateway to a massive regional market of over 3 billion consumers.

Addressing the "Bangladesh Investment Promotion Seminar" as the chief guest in Osaka on Tuesday Bobby Hajjaj described the country as a vital economic bridge between South and Southeast Asia.

The seminar was jointly organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan, and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Highlighting bilateral progress, the state minister noted that advancing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and establishing a dedicated Special Economic Zone for Japan will elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 3.5 billion, with a joint target to scale the volume to USD 10 billion in the coming years.

Drawing historical parallels, Hajjaj remarked that Bangladesh aspires to mirror Japan's Meiji Restoration model by driving national transformation through education, technology, and visionary leadership. He noted that Bangladesh's economy has surpassed USD 500 billion, backed by sustained growth and a young, capable labor force of over 70 million.

The event was attended by Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md. Daud Ali, Member of the House of Councillors of Japan Futoshi Okazaki, Cipher-Core COO Motoyuki Odachi, senior JETRO and Osaka Chamber officials, and executives from over a hundred leading Japanese corporations.