Bangladesh seeks expansion of Japan's skill tests to 5 new sectors including food and forestry
Bhuiyan informed Watanabe about the establishment of a dedicated "Japan Cell" and the launch of extensive Japanese language and skills training programmes
Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, senior secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, has welcomed Japan's decision to introduce Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) skill tests in five sectors in Bangladesh and called for their expansion to include the Manufacture of Food and Beverage, Food Service Industry, and Forestry sectors.
Bhuiyan made the remarks today (5 November) during a meeting in Tokyo with Watanabe Yoichi, vice-minister for International Affairs of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Bangladesh's Ambassador to Japan, Daud Ali, was also present.
During the meeting, Bhuiyan expressed Bangladesh's appreciation for Japan's continued cooperation and longstanding friendship, particularly in the areas of technical training and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
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In response, Watanabe conveyed a positive outlook and assured that Japan would explore the proposed expansion. He noted that the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh is already collecting relevant information in this regard.
The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral collaboration in overseas employment, skills training, and ethical migration. Bhuiyan highlighted Bangladesh's recent reforms aimed at promoting transparency, good governance, and ethical recruitment, including legislative measures and the digitalisation of migration systems.
He also underscored Bangladesh's proactive engagement with Japan through the signing of two Memorandums of Cooperation (MoCs) and more than 200 private-to-private (P2P) Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
These initiatives align with Japan's projected demand for 11 million workers by 2040.
Bhuiyan informed the Vice-Minister about the establishment of a dedicated "Japan Cell" and the launch of extensive Japanese language and skills training programmes, developed in collaboration with Japanese institutions and companies.
The meeting concluded with Bhuiyan inviting Watanabe to visit Bangladesh to further strengthen cooperation in overseas employment and skills development.
Later, the Senior Secretary visited IM Japan, a leading manpower-receiving organisation, where CEO Kanamori Hitoshi pledged to increase the intake of Bangladeshi Technical Intern Trainees and Specified Skilled Workers from 2026, targeting at least 300 recruits initially.
Earlier, on 4 November, Bhuiyan attended a meeting with Bangladeshi manpower exporters at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo to discuss improving recruitment and strengthening the country's presence in Japan's labour market.
