Japan and Bangladesh have begun discussions on a new cooperation initiative built around four pillars, including infrastructure, energy and security, ahead of a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the latter’s visit to Tokyo on October 27, Japan’s largest Japanese language media Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The two leaders are expected to issue a joint statement outlining the initiative after their meeting.

According to Yomiuri, citing multiple Japanese government officials, the proposed framework will focus on four pillars: developing infrastructure to strengthen connectivity with neighbouring countries, including India; energy transformation; establishing rules to create opportunities for mutual economic growth; and cooperation to promote regional peace and stability.

The two countries signed a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in February, during the final days of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The Japanese government is seeking parliamentary approval for the agreement during the current session of the Diet, Japan’s parliament. It also plans to strengthen support for Bangladesh by improving trade rules and legal frameworks to foster a more favourable investment environment, with the aim of encouraging greater involvement and investment by Japanese companies.

In the security sector, Japan plans to continue providing equipment and other resources to Bangladesh through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme. In July, Japan delivered five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy under the programme to strengthen its maritime surveillance capabilities.

Japan has long regarded Bangladesh, strategically located along Indian Ocean shipping routes, as an important partner. Against the backdrop of China’s growing engagement with Bangladesh, Tokyo aims to further deepen bilateral ties.