Discussions going on regarding budget support: ITO Naoki

Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka ITO Naoki today said that discussions are going on regarding the possible budget support by Japan to Bangladesh.

"We're yet to take the final decision on providing budget support, but discussions are going on in this regard. Hopefully, a good decision will be taken," he said.

The Japanese Ambassador said this after paying a farewell call on Planning Minister MA Mannan at the latter's office in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

Terming his three-year stay in Bangladesh as 'wonderful', he said that Japan has been associating with Bangladesh in a wide range of development projects, including that of the MRT Line 6 projects which is a 'milestone project' and expected to be inaugurated partially this December.

Besides, Naoki said the work on the Matarbari Power Plant project, the extension of the airport and some other important projects are also going on with Japanese assistance.

Referring to the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said that the upcoming tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan would further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Turning to the macroeconomic situation of Bangladesh, the Japanese Ambassador said that the macroeconomic management of Bangladesh is much better while the country has tackled successfully the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also noted that the Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox's Bazar is being developed as an industrial corridor.

Replying to a question, Naoki said that the current economic challenges during this global situation are not only for Bangladesh, but also for the entire world.

"But, the capacity of Bangladesh in this regard is much higher and hopefully Bangladesh will be able to overcome this situation," he added.

Planning Minister MA Mannan said that Japan is a trusted and friendly nation of Bangladesh and the country attaches higher importance to its relationship with Bangladesh.

He said that Japan is giving due importance to the upcoming tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Japan.

Regarding the budget support, Mannan said that they have already approached Japan over the budget support.

"They (Japan) are considering our demands and hopefully we'll get the budget support," he added.