Dhaka, March 3, 2025 – Ashik Chowdhury is the Executive Chairman of BIDA & BEZA, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Since October 2024, he has been serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for Bangladesh, leading efforts to attract global investments. Previously, he spent over five years at HSBC Singapore as Associate Director, Infrastructure Finance Investment Banking, advising clients across South and Southeast Asia. The following article is based on a LinkedIn post by Ashik Chowdhury about Bangladesh Japan Investment
Bangladesh kicked off its first investment roadshow of 2025 in Japan, a crucial step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Over four intensive days, our delegation engaged in 30 bilateral investor meetings across three cities, a high-profile Nikkei interview, and a seminar attended by over 400 Japanese entrepreneurs and executives. This visit marked a departure from previous government-led investment trips, as we focused on a different set of principles to drive results.
Key Takeaways from the Visit
1. Skilled Labor Export: A Massive Opportunity
One of the most significant revelations was Japan’s increasing demand for skilled labor. With an aging population—on average, 24 years older than Bangladesh’s—the need for a young and trained workforce is undeniable. Nearly every investor we met asked whether Bangladesh could supply Japanese-speaking workers. Recognizing this potential, Commerce Adviser and Ashik Chowdhury decided to establish Japanese language training institutes in underutilized government facilities to prepare our workforce for this opportunity.
2. Competing in a Global Market
Bangladesh faces stiff competition from India and ASEAN nations that offer extensive market access. While our 200-million-strong domestic market is an advantage, it isn’t always enough to attract large-scale investments. To position Bangladesh as a regional production hub, we must cater to not just sovereign demand but also serve the Seven Sisters of India, Bhutan, Nepal, and other neighboring economies.
3. Long-Term Commitment from Japanese Investors
Japanese businesses view Bangladesh as one of their top outbound investment destinations. However, their decision-making process is meticulous and time-intensive. The key takeaway here is that once they commit, they remain invested for the long haul. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a structured engagement program to ensure Bangladesh stays at the forefront of their investment considerations.
A New Approach to Investment Promotion
Focusing on Bilateral Meetings
Apart from one seminar, our strategy was centered on G2B (government-to-business) meetings rather than broad-based events. This allowed for more direct, productive conversations with investors.
An All-Round Delegation
We ensured a comprehensive delegation comprising representatives from BIDA, NBR, Bangladesh Bank, legal experts, and Japanese businesses already operating in Bangladesh. This diverse representation enabled us to address a broad spectrum of investor queries on the spot.
Humility and Transparency
We openly acknowledged existing challenges such as corruption. Our message to investors was clear: “We are not perfect, but our relative ROI is high, and we are actively working to improve the investment climate.” This honesty helped build trust among potential investors.
Collaboration with Key Japanese Entities
For the first time, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) co-organized and funded this roadshow. Their support was instrumental in achieving a sold-out seminar attended by an all-Japanese audience and securing TV Tokyo prime-time coverage. Such an event would have been difficult to execute solely under the Bangladesh government’s initiative.
What We Avoided: The ‘Don’ts’ of Our Strategy
- No sightseeing or leisure activities
- No political meetings
- No sponsored engagements
Strengthening the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership
Our efforts in Japan reflect a long-term strategy to enhance bilateral trade and investment. With the right training programs, infrastructure, and policy frameworks, Bangladesh can position itself as a top-tier investment destination for Japanese businesses. By staying committed to strategic engagement and workforce readiness, we hope to foster an enduring economic partnership between our two nations.
