Dhaka, Sep 04 (V7N) – A visiting Japanese parliamentary delegation has lauded Bangladesh for making significant progress in improving factory working conditions but emphasized the need for continued reforms to meet global labor standards.

The delegation, led by Michihiro Ishibashi, Secretary General of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party and a member of the House of Councilors, met Principal Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

Sharing his observations after visiting factories inside and outside the Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Ishibashi said, “We felt positive energy after visiting Japanese companies in Bangladesh. However, there is still ample room for further improvement. We also hope Japanese companies will expand investments in infrastructure and other sectors.”

Professor Yunus described Japan as a “trusted friend” of Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for its longstanding cooperation. He stressed that labor sector reform is one of the interim government’s top priorities, noting that Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui has been tasked with ensuring the adoption and implementation of ILO conventions.

Yunus also sought Japanese cooperation in the Matarbari deep-sea fishing project and proposed sending more Bangladeshi skilled workers to Japan. “We are planning to send 100,000 youth to Japan with training in language, skill development, etiquette, and history. This is just the beginning – many more will follow in the future. We believe this is a great opportunity for our young generation to express their creativity and explore new horizons,” he said.

The Japanese delegation included Hanako Jimi (Vice Secretary General, Liberal Democratic Party), Ryuji Satomi, Kenta Izumi, Makiko Dogomi, Maki Ikeda, Mamoru Umetani, and Atsushi Oshima.

Also present were Special Envoy Lutfeh Siddiqui and Senior Secretary for SDGs Lamia Morshed.

END/SMA/AJ