United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Tokyo, in collaboration with Haison International, an investment advisory firm, organised a business-to-business (B2B) event at the United Nations Headquarters Hall in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The event aimed to foster bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Japan.

The programme was also supported by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

A total of 14 Bangladeshi companies from diverse sectors-including power, engineering, construction, logistics, shipping, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) management, ICT parks, real estate and hospitality, healthcare, machinery, automobiles and consultancy services participated in the programme.

The Bangladeshi companies had met with over 80 Japanese companies to explore the potential ventures for collaboration.

A key highlight of the event was a seminar titled "Doing Business in Bangladesh," which focused on investment opportunities and the evolving business climate in the country.

Ariful Hoque, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), delivered a comprehensive presentation on Bangladesh's investment landscape.

Yuji Ando, JETRO Representative in Bangladesh, also spoke on the advantages and practicalities of doing business in Bangladesh from a Japanese perspective.

M Siraj Uddin Miah, Principal Secretary to the Chief Advisor's Office and Mr. Syed Nasir Ershad, Economic Minister of Bangladesh to Japan, were present at the event.

The Principal Secretary said "UNIDO Tokyo has remained a consistent partner in our development journey, supporting Bangladesh through various programs and initiatives. HAISON's annual program, 'Investor B2B Japan,' is one such example of this fruitful collaboration."

Both dignitaries emphasised the Government of Bangladesh's strong commitment to promoting foreign investment and deepening economic ties with Japan.

They highlighted the enduring friendship and growing economic partnership between the two nations.

When asked about the programme Mr. Neaz Mahmood Hai, Director of HAISON said, "This is our 8th annual B2B programme with UNIDO. As you know, organizing such a programme would be nearly impossible without local support in Japan, which UNIDO is providing. This is the only programme where we bring Japanese and Bangladeshi companies face to face for any kind of cooperation they are seeking. We hope to continue this initiative and achieve even more successful investments."

The day-long programme served as a significant platform for strengthening Bangladesh-Japan economic relations and showcased Bangladesh as a competitive destination for Japanese investments.