Advisor Nahid says the interim government will welcome any investment from JICA that helps in creating employment
Published : 06 Oct 2024, 10:18 PM
Japan's development agency JICA has offered to inject new investments to enhance skills and increase employment in Bangladesh's information technology sector.
A delegation led by Japan International Cooperation Agency's Chief Representative in Bangladesh, Ichiguchi Tomohide met Information and Communication Technology Advisor Nahid Islam at the Secretariat on Sunday to convey the interest.
According to a press release from the ministry, Nahid told Tomohide that the interim government's primary goal is to reduce unemployment in the country by creating employment opportunities.
Tomohide said, "Bangladesh has great potential in the information technology sector. However, there are limited opportunities for good jobs. We want to create new job opportunities in Bangladesh and, at the same time, train 1,000 IT engineers to capitalise on this potential."
Advisor Nahid said, "Creating employment is the main goal of the current government. The movement that took place was also driven by the need for employment. We welcome any investment from JICA that helps in creating jobs.
"If there are specific proposals in this regard, they will be considered. The interim government expects more investment from Japan and JICA."
Tomohide said JICA is interested in working on two agendas: increasing investment and public administration reform.
He also expressed interest in infrastructure development. Japan wants to assist Bangladesh in this area by utilising the experience gained from countries around the world.
The advisor said the interim government is trying to create a business-friendly environment in the country to encourage private sector investment.
"The government is working to address the obstacles in this area. Bangladesh's youth are talented, and working with JICA will help improve their skills. So, Bangladesh is keen to work with JICA. The government is also working on ways to increase foreign direct investment."
Present at the meeting were Secretary of the Post and Telecommunications Division, Md Mushfiqur Rahman, ICT Division Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, JICA's senior representative Komori Takashi, representative Kukami Minami, and JICA expert Soji Akihiro.