Japan is open to funding the construction of a deep seaport in Chittagong if it is approached by Bangladesh.
"Japan would consider if any proposal or request is made from Bangladesh for the construction of the proposed deep seaport," Japanese ambassador Tamotsu Shinotsuka told a meet-the-press programme in the city on Tuesday.
The government has taken steps to set up the port at Sonadia Island in Maheshkhali at a cost of around Tk 600 billion.
Earlier in September, shipping minister Shajahan Khan had told parliament that no country promised any financial assistance for the deep seaport and Bangladesh would approach China for assistance.
The Japanese envoy also said that prime ministers of the two countries would discuss Japan's possible scope for providing assistance for the construction of Padma bridge during Hasina's visit to Japan. "The Padma bridge will be a major issue to be discussed between the two prime ministers."
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to fly to Japan on Nov 28 on a five-day visit to hold talks on various bilateral issues, including assistance for the construction of the Padma bridge.
Tamotsu said Bangladesh could become a major destination for Japanese investment if information about the country's economic prospect are properly disseminated.
"Bangladesh is a moderate Muslim country with huge human resources and this has made it an attractive destination for investment," the Japanese envoy told journalists.
Tamotsu stressed the need for political stability in Bangladesh for its quick economic progress.
"Japan would consider if any proposal or request is made from Bangladesh for the construction of the proposed deep seaport," Japanese ambassador Tamotsu Shinotsuka told a meet-the-press programme in the city on Tuesday.
The government has taken steps to set up the port at Sonadia Island in Maheshkhali at a cost of around Tk 600 billion.
Earlier in September, shipping minister Shajahan Khan had told parliament that no country promised any financial assistance for the deep seaport and Bangladesh would approach China for assistance.
The Japanese envoy also said that prime ministers of the two countries would discuss Japan's possible scope for providing assistance for the construction of Padma bridge during Hasina's visit to Japan. "The Padma bridge will be a major issue to be discussed between the two prime ministers."
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to fly to Japan on Nov 28 on a five-day visit to hold talks on various bilateral issues, including assistance for the construction of the Padma bridge.
Tamotsu said Bangladesh could become a major destination for Japanese investment if information about the country's economic prospect are properly disseminated.
"Bangladesh is a moderate Muslim country with huge human resources and this has made it an attractive destination for investment," the Japanese envoy told journalists.
Tamotsu stressed the need for political stability in Bangladesh for its quick economic progress.