These issues were discussed at a courtesy meeting with a delegation led by Marubeni Corporation President and CEO Masayuki Omoto at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat on Sunday (11 October).

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said it is urgent to increase domestic and foreign investment to harness Bangladesh's economic potential. Noting that Marubeni has long had a business relationship with Bangladesh in jute products, he emphasized expanding cooperation in new sectors as well.

At the meeting, discussions were held on building skilled manpower in information technology and cybersecurity and on the potential to develop Bangladesh as an international service hub. The plan to launch an AI-based data center in the country within the next 12 months and expanding the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence in agriculture also came up.

In addition, discussions were held on expanding existing investment in Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (Kafco) and the possibility of establishing a second Kafco in the country. Marubeni representatives expressed interest in investing in these sectors.

At the meeting, hopes were expressed that trade and investment relations between the two countries would be further strengthened if the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement comes into effect.

At that time, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan, and Marubeni's Chief Executive Officer for South-West Asia Region Susumu Wakamori and the organization's Country Head in Bangladesh Manabu Sugawara were present.