Bangladesh seeks more ODA loan support from Japan in 6th FOC

Bangladesh today (15 May) sought Japan's support for more Official Development Assistance (ODA) concessional loans during the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Tokyo.

The country also requested assistance in extending loan repayment terms and securing budgetary support, reads a ministry press release.

The consultation was led by Dr Md Nazrul Islam, secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Bangladesh, and AKAHORI Takeshi, senior deputy minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The high-level dialogue covered a broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including political and economic collaboration, trade and investment, people-to-people connectivity, cultural exchanges, and regional and global security issues.

Both sides discussed new areas of cooperation, notably in climate change adaptation, energy transition, and disaster management.

Bangladesh highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation in several key areas, including the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), development of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), establishment of Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF), expansion of solar power initiatives, mechanization of agriculture, and the modernization of shipyards.

The Japanese delegation reiterated its firm support for Bangladesh's interim government and reform initiatives, committing to continued assistance for the country's socio-economic development.

Bangladesh raised its expectations for the continuation of Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access for Bangladeshi goods in the post-LDC graduation period.

The Japanese side positively noted this and agreed to explore improved access for Bangladeshi products, including fruits and vegetables.

Under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) framework, Japan expressed interest in expanding cooperation in high-quality infrastructure projects and encouraging Japanese manufacturers to extend their supply chains to Bangladesh.

Commending Bangladesh's humanitarian role in sheltering Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (Rohingyas), the Japanese delegation pledged continued support for their early repatriation and ongoing humanitarian aid.

Both countries reviewed the progress made since the 5th FOC held in Dhaka in June 2024 and outlined future areas of collaboration, including the upcoming chief adviser's visit to Japan.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political trust, aligning development strategies, and fully realising the potential of their "Strategic Partnership."

The meeting concluded with a mutual vision to integrate the resources, strategic locations, and competencies of both nations to ensure sustainable development for their people.

Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement throughout the dialogue.