Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed optimism that Japan will play a crucial role while Bangladesh is graduating from the LDC status in 2026 on way to becoming a developed country by 2041.

"We look forward to working closely with Japan to add a new dimension and further consolidate our ever-growing political and economic relations," he said.

Speaking at a function as the chief guest on Thursday night, Momen said they sincerely hope that Japan as always will stand beside Bangladesh in its journey towards ‘Sonar Bangla' as dreamed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh is located at the pivot between two huge economic markets – South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh is also one of the most free-market, trade-oriented economies in South Asia.

"I believe a market of about 170 million consumers with a growing middle-class, higher purchasing power, easily trainable vibrant workforce, and rapid pace of economic growth can make Bangladesh a friendly destination for Japanese businesses," Momen said.

The networking program titled “Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Japan-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations” was organized by Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD) and Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at a city hotel.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki and Secretary General JCIAD and Country Representative JETRO Yuji Ando also spoke.

Momen said Japan has remained as a true friend and a trusted development partner in Bangladesh's journey towards achieving stellar socio-economic development.

Japan has so far committed to providing support of more than US$28 billion as development assistance to Bangladesh through grants, loans, and technical assistance.

Bangladesh has already received over US$18 billion worth of assistance from Japan.

A large number of significant infrastructure development projects in Bangladesh have been completed or under implementation with Japanese financial and technical support, Momen said.

Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Projects, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib (Jamuna) Railway Bridge Construction Project, Matarbari Port Project, and Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project, etc. are expected to transform infrastructure landscape upon their full implementation, he said.

Japan is the second largest export destination of Bangladesh in Asia.

Bangladesh's merchandise exports to Japan have almost doubled in the last decade and reached over US$1.3 billion in the last Fiscal Year.

Japan is the 5th largest import source country for Bangladesh with merchandise imports standing at over US$2.0 billion; and the 12th largest FDI source country with FDI stock standing at around US$483 million.

"However, we are yet to exploit the true potential that exists between our two countries," Momen said.

"We see further prospects of greater trade and investment cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, ICT, high-tech products, electronics, deep sea fishing and mining, high-end consumer and biotech products, renewable energy, skilled and professional human resource engagement for the mutual benefits of our two peoples," he added.