Japan envoy meets Foreign Minister, discusses ESDP and worker recruitment

The Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, Shinichi Saida, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the ambassador congratulated Dr Rahman on assuming office and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The two sides discussed cooperation under the Employment Skill Development Programme (ESDP), with particular emphasis on skills development and Japanese language training for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment in Japan.

Dr Rahman emphasised the need for improved access to information and proposed the development of a digital matchmaking platform to facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers by Japanese employers.

Ambassador Saida also conveyed an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Japan at a mutually convenient time. Discussions further covered defence procurement, cooperation on metro rail projects, and mutual support in international forums.

Also present were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam; Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Disaster Management and Relief, and Civil Aviation and Tourism; Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment; Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment; and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary.

Earlier in the day, Ambassador Saida also met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. She recalled Japan's early recognition of Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for Japan's continued support, including on the Rohingya issue, according to officials.