HSBC hosts Japan–Bangladesh business networking event in Dhaka

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Bangladesh recently hosted a networking event titled "Japan–Bangladesh Business Connections: Legacy and the Future" at The Westin Dhaka, celebrating the enduring partnership between Japan and Bangladesh while exploring new opportunities for trade and investment.

Japan has been Bangladesh's single largest bilateral development partner for more than five decades, providing over US$32 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) through grants, loans and technical cooperation since independence. Japanese support spans infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture, health, education and human resource development, with major ongoing projects including the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port and Power Plant, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, Jamuna Railway Bridge and the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

With more than 350 Japanese companies currently operating in Bangladesh and bilateral trade reaching nearly US$3.8 billion, the two countries continue to deepen their economic ties.

The event was attended by Mahbubur Rahman, secretary of the Ministry of Commerce; Nahian Rahman Rochi, executive member and head of business development at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Karasawa Shinju, first secretary and head of economic cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh; and Hirotaka Shibata, director of corporate and institutional banking at HSBC Japan.

In his keynote presentation, Nahian Rahman Rochi discussed the current investment climate in Bangladesh, identifying challenges and BIDA's approach to creating a simplified investment framework to attract global investors.

Mahbubur Rahman said, "Strengthening the Japan–Bangladesh trade corridor is pivotal for our economic growth, and we welcome HSBC's efforts in deepening this vital partnership."

Karasawa Shinju remarked, "Over the past decades, Japanese companies have stood as steadfast partners in Bangladesh's development journey. Our collaboration, rooted in mutual trust, now extends into new areas such as digital transformation, green energy and innovation."

Hirotaka Shibata said HSBC Japan and HSBC Bangladesh share a long-standing commitment to building relationships between Japanese and Bangladeshi businesses. Shadab Hossain, head of global network banking at HSBC Bangladesh, added that the event symbolised decades of mutual respect and cooperation beyond economics.

HSBC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cross-border trade and investment through its global network and local expertise.