(BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo to expand its investment in Bangladesh, particularly in man-made fibre, technical textiles and sustainable garment manufacturing.

He made the call during a meeting with a delegation led by Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the parent company of Uniqlo, at 10:30 am local time here, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman appreciated Uniqlo’s confidence in Bangladesh and its longstanding business engagement with the country through Fast Retailing.

The prime minister urged Uniqlo to make further investments in Bangladesh’s ready made garment sector, particularly in man-made fibre, technical textiles and sustainable garment production.

The discussions also covered greater cooperation in technology transfer, skills development, product innovation, advanced manufacturing systems and environmentally friendly production processes.

Tarique Rahman said his government is ready to provide necessary support for expanding Uniqlo’s operations in Bangladesh.

He highlighted the government’s willingness to facilitate land arrangements, investment approvals and other necessary administrative clearances.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of implementing the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), expressing hope that it would help expand trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, among others, were present at the meeting from the Bangladesh side.

The Japanese delegation included Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. Director Takeshi Okazaki and Group Senior Executive Officer Yoshihiro Kunii.