Open Menu
Dhaka – Japan and Bangladesh are working together to develop smart cities. Japan is the largest Asian export market for Bangladesh, where plans are underway to expand technology-based development.

In a bilateral meeting with Bangladeshi State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Japanese ambassador Ito Naoki expressed that Japan is interested in building smart cities in the country, according to an article from Tech Wire Asia. Bangladesh is exploring areas including cybersecurity, e-waste management and e-governance.

Japan has already contributed to developing infrastructure in Bangladesh, with over 300 Japanese companies currently operating in the country. However, Naoki emphasised the importance of further collaboration to expand cooperation between the two countries.

He said: “ICT is now the main driving force of the economy. The Japan International Co-operative Agency (JICA) can further develop and enrich the master plan for Bangladesh 2041 by assisting in technology-based human resource development.” Bangladesh 2041 aims to develop the socio-economic standing of the country.  

Last year, it was reported that Japan has set aside 250 billion yen (2.4 billion US dollars) to support smart city projects by Japanese companies and improve decarbonisation measures in 26 cities across the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) nations, writes the article. The fund will comprise approximately 50 billion yen (450 million US dollars) from the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN), as well as a government fund for infrastructure development and a line of credit from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

JOIN will consider forming joint ventures with local and Japanese companies in ASEAN, whereas JBIC will extend the credit line to environmental programs, writes the article. The latter include initiatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and preventing air and water pollution.