Prime Minister seeks Japanese investment in IT and AI sectors.

Marubeni Corporation, a leading Japanese business and investment firm, has expressed keen interest in making major investments in Bangladesh's information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertilizer, and energy sectors.

This potential partnership was highlighted on Sunday (October 11) when a high-level delegation, led by Marubeni Corporation's President and CEO Masayuki Omoto, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat. During the nearly hour-long meeting, fruitful discussions were held regarding strengthening bilateral trade relations and future economic partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the longstanding business ties between Bangladesh and Marubeni in jute products and stressed the need to expand the existing relationship and strengthen cooperation in new sectors, Shadhin said.

The discussions covered investment opportunities in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy, as well as the possibility of establishing a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) plant in Bangladesh.

The two sides also discussed the potential of Bangladesh's IT sector, the development of skilled human resources and the country's prospects for becoming an international service hub.

Tarique Rahman highlighted the government's plan to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi engineering graduates in IT and cybersecurity. Bangladesh could emerge as a major international service hub by leveraging its skilled workforce, technological capabilities and competitive service offerings, the meeting observed.

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The possibility of launching an AI-powered data centre in Bangladesh within the next 12 months also came up for discussion, along with potential investment and technological cooperation from Marubeni in the project.

The meeting also discussed expanding the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture to improve agricultural production and management, including through Marubeni's potential investment and technical assistance.

On fertiliser production, the two sides discussed expanding Marubeni's existing investment in KAFCO and the possibility of setting up a second KAFCO plant in the country. Marubeni expressed interest in the proposal, Shadhin said.

The meeting also expressed optimism that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, once implemented, would further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Md Shakirul Islam Khan were present.

Marubeni was represented by its Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Asia Susumu Wakamori and the company's Country Head in Bangladesh Manabu Sugawara.