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Japanese loan to be announced by Yoshiro Mori |
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August 9, 2000
TOKYO (UNB) - Japan will provide around 16 billion yen in loan for four new projects in Bangladesh, including the much-awaited Rupsha bridge project, a top Japanese bureaucrat disclosed here yesterday (Tuesday). Talking to UNB Chief Correspondent Shamim Ahmad, Director General of Asian Affairs Bureau of Japan Foreign Ministry Kunihiko Makita said the new yen loan would be formally announced when Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visits Dhaka on Aug 19. The Japanese loan will be available with the signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) against the four projects during Mori's visit. The loan will include a little more than eight billion yen for the ambitious Rupsha Bridge in Khulna. Japan is the largest bilateral donor for Bangladesh with US$3,019.42 million loan as aid and US$2,807.40 million grants till 1998. Commenting on Mori's visit to Bangladesh, which is taking place after a decade by a Japanese Prime Minister, Makita said Prime Minister Mori would reaffirm Japan's friendly relation with Bangladesh. Mori would also reassure Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Japan's continued assistance to economic development of Bangladesh, the Japanese bureaucrat said. Replying to a quer, he said economic cooperation, investment and trade would figure prominently during the Mori-Hasina official talks in Dhaka on Aug 19. Regional and international issues, including reactivating SAARC through holding its summit, security and stability of South Asia, nuclear disarmament and reform of the United Nations, would also come up during the talks. Makita said Japan praises Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's anti-nuclear mission in South Asia after 1998 nuclear explosions by India and Pakistan as well as her government's global peace initiative and pro-active role in international forums, including the UN, NAM and SAARC. During the visit, Prime Minister Mori will formally endorse Bangladesh's peace initiative regionally and internationally, and the signing of CTBT and NPT. Asked what Bangladesh may gain through Mori's visit, Makita said the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to Dhaka might create a positive impact on Japanese investors for more investment in Bangladesh. He, however, said Bangladesh needs to do certain things for ensuring safety and security of Japanese investors. Japan's actual investment in Bangladesh as of August 1999, stood at about US$57.84 million. In reply to another question, Makita sad Japan may consider taking skilled manpower from Bangladesh maintaining Japan's immigration law and providing more scholarship for students and teachers. Mori is expected to lead a 50-member official delegation, including several MPs and top ranking bureaucrats from different ministries. A 40-member media team will accompany the Japanese Premier. During his 26-hour stay spreading over two days (Aug 19-20), Mori will open the Japanese-aided mother and childcare institution in Dhaka. |