Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has requested 100 million US dollars in assistance from Japan to make Bangladesh's ship breaking industry safe and sustainable. After a meeting with Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hosaka Yasushi, Dr. Mahmud informed reporters about his discussions. He highlighted that Bangladesh currently breaks 8000 scrapped ships annually, while neighboring India breaks 10000 per year. Dr. Mahmud emphasized that Japan had previously helped India improve its ship breaking industry and requested similar assistance for Bangladesh.

Additionally, Dr. Mahmud sought continuation of Japanese support and a long-term plan for the development of Southern Chattogram under the BIG-B initiative to enhance connectivity in the region and beyond. He also encouraged more Japanese investments in Bangladesh, particularly in Special Economic Zones in Araihazar and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar at Mirsarai in Chattogram.

Dr. Mahmud expressed gratitude to Japan for sending a Trade Negotiating Team for the first round of Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Negotiations, scheduled from May 19-23, 2024. He conveyed Bangladesh's desire to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Dr. Mahmud expressed satisfaction with the progress of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted mega-infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari deep seaport, Matarbari Coal Fired Power Plant, and Dhaka Metro Rail. He also thanked Japan for its efforts towards a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, to Rakhine State.

Dr. Mahmud expressed hope for concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to secure Japanese financial concessions by 2026 when Bangladesh graduates from LDC status. Both the Vice Minister and Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in various multilateral fora and hoped for continued cooperation for international peace, security, and sustainable development. Dr. Mahmud also thanked the Vice Minister for Japan's representation in the ICPD30 Global Dialogue in Dhaka.