Dhaka, September 28, 2026 (BSS) — Kazuki Kataoka, JETRO’s representative in Bangladesh, said that given its strategic location and large population, Bangladesh holds great potential to become a regional logistics and industrial hub connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia.
"Given its geography and population, Bangladesh has great potential to become a regional logistics and industrial hub connecting South and Southeast Asia," he said in a recent interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Kataoka said Japan highly values Bangladesh’s potential as a future growth center and continues cooperation on infrastructure and industrial development.
He specifically mentioned the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), a concept jointly agreed by Japan and Bangladesh to develop industrial and logistics networks through the Dhaka-Chattogram-Matarbari corridor.
Infrastructure projects implemented with Japan’s support — including the Matarbari development and the Jamuna rail bridge — will boost economic growth and regional connectivity, he said. But he stressed infrastructure alone will not make Bangladesh a regional hub.
"It is not only about developing domestic infrastructure such as roads, railways and ports, but also policy initiatives that facilitate cross-border flows of goods and people with neighboring countries," Kataoka said. Better intermodal connections, more efficient logistics services and smoother cross-border movement will integrate Bangladesh more closely into regional supply chains, he believes.
He also emphasized a more predictable, transparent and business-friendly investment environment. Companies sometimes struggle dealing with multiple agencies over a single issue, he noted, suggesting a single point of contact to coordinate with relevant agencies and follow investor cases through to resolution.
One-stop service should go beyond merely receiving applications, he said — designated officials or offices following cases through to completion would make the whole process easier for investors. Kataoka also called for further digitalization of government services: fully online procedures, where feasible, would raise transparency and predictability and reduce discretion.
Efficient infrastructure, predictable regulations and better inter-agency coordination will make Bangladesh more attractive to Japanese companies looking to expand regional investment and supply chains, he said. "If these efforts continue, wide-ranging economic benefits are expected — job creation, trade growth and stronger people-to-people exchanges."
Kataoka closed by saying Japan will keep cooperating with Bangladesh on infrastructure and industrial development. Successful development of the Dhaka-Chattogram-Matarbari corridor, plus better connectivity with neighbors, will strengthen Bangladesh’s position in regional logistics and industrial networks and open new opportunities for investment and trade.
