Japan-Bangladesh Business Women Conference Highlights Women’s Empowerment and Economic Partnership

Photo: CNI

Staff Correspondent: A Japan-Bangladesh Business Women Conference was held in Dhaka, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and representatives from both countries to discuss women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation.

‎Speaking at the conference, H.E. Mr. Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and supporting organizations for arranging the important initiative. He highlighted the significance of women’s empowerment as a key driver of social progress, economic growth, and sustainable development.
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‎The Ambassador acknowledged that Japan still has considerable room for improvement in achieving gender equality, noting that Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in women’s participation and leadership. “Japan is still significantly behind Bangladesh when it comes to women’s empowerment. We have much to learn from your achievements,” he said.
‎He highlighted Japan’s initiatives since the 2010s to promote women’s participation in society and the workplace, including maternity leave, parental childcare leave, equal pay for equal work, and policies supporting work-life balance. He also mentioned Japan’s efforts to encourage private-sector organizations to advance gender equality.
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‎The Ambassador noted that more women are now taking leadership positions in Japan’s government, parliament, and business sectors, while emphasizing the need for further progress. He also shared Japan’s recent milestone of having its first female Prime Minister.
‎Discussing Japan’s development cooperation with Bangladesh, Ambassador Saida Shinichi said gender equality and women’s empowerment have long been central priorities. Japan has supported various initiatives, including improving women’s safety and accessibility in public transportation, such as women-only metro coaches and station facilities.
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‎He praised the impact of Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s microfinance model in empowering women living in poverty. Following this approach, Japan and JICA have been implementing financial inclusion projects, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas. According to the Ambassador, around 90 percent of participants in these training programs are women, with many establishing businesses and creating employment opportunities for others.
‎He further highlighted Japan’s support in areas including nursing education, capacity building, rural development, income-generating activities, and combating gender-based violence.
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‎Addressing future economic cooperation, Ambassador Saida Shinichi said Bangladesh’s growing market, young population, and investment opportunities are attracting increasing interest from Japanese companies. He expressed confidence that stronger Japanese investment would create more opportunities for women’s participation in the economy.
‎He also emphasized that the recently signed Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would further strengthen bilateral economic relations and contribute to shared growth.