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Prof Yunus Returns Home After Four-Day Visit to Japan
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left Tokyo on Saturday, concluding a four-day official visit to Japan that featured high-level meetings, major financial commitments, and expanded bilateral cooperation.
He departed from Narita International Airport at 11:20am (Tokyo time) on a Singapore Airlines flight and is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:40pm.
On Friday, Professor Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinjiro Ishiba. Both leaders agreed to finalise an Economic Partnership Agreement in the coming months to deepen trade and economic relations between the two nations. Japan also pledged $1.063 billion in support for Bangladesh, including budget assistance and railway development.
Three agreements were signed that day:
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A $418 million Development Policy Loan for economic reform and climate change resilience.
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A $641 million loan for the Joydebpur–Ishwardi dual-gauge double-line railway project.
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A $4.2 million grant for human development scholarships.
Professor Yunus also addressed the 'Bangladesh Business Seminar' on the same day, where six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and related sectors.
Earlier, on Thursday, two MoUs were signed to boost skills development and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Japan, which is facing a labour shortage. During a human resources seminar in Tokyo, Japanese authorities and business leaders announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next five years.
On the same day, Professor Yunus delivered the keynote speech at the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia. On the sidelines, he met with former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and sought support for Bangladesh’s bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In recognition of his contributions to social innovation and global development, Professor Yunus was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Soka University on Friday.
He arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday to begin the official visit.