Bangladesh expects Jica to increase project funding, budget support: Mustafa Kamal

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has expressed hope that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) would increase its financial assistance to various important projects of Bangladesh along with necessary budgetary support considering the global uncertainty. 

During a meeting with Jica President Akihiko Tanaka at the Secretariat, he reminisced about the first ever budgetary support that Japan provided to Bangladesh at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The finance minister termed it historical for both the countries.

"It helped mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic and tackle the crises arising out of the Russia-Ukraine war. Japan is gradually becoming the single biggest bilateral development partner for Bangladesh," said Mustafa Kamal.

Responding to the minister, Akihiko Tanaka said Bangladesh is considered to be an important country for Jica's assistance. Bangladesh is also ahead of many of its neighbouring countries in economic and social indicators. As Bangladesh has shown success in implementing the assistance provided, it has helped the country secure a significant position in the country list of Jica's development assistance.

Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Sharifa Khan, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Ito Naoki and Jica Resident Representative Hayakawa were present, among others, in the meeting.