Bangladesh has intensified its push for Japanese industrial investment, as its Ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali, encouraged AEON Group to establish manufacturing facilities in the country alongside technology transfer initiatives.

The call was made during a meeting between the ambassador and a four-member delegation from AEON Group at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on 21st November, 2025. The delegation visited Bangladesh recently to assess potential business opportunities and evaluate the evolving investment environment.

During the meeting, Ambassador Md Daud Ali emphasised that Japanese investments in factory establishment and technological collaboration could generate long-term mutual economic benefits. He noted that such investments would strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial capacity, support export diversification, and contribute to deeper bilateral economic integration beyond traditional trade.

The ambassador highlighted that Bangladesh is positioning itself as a competitive manufacturing destination not only for readymade garments, but also for frozen fish, vegetables, agro-processed foods, leather goods, handicrafts, and lifestyle consumer products. He also underlined the country’s expanding strength in information technology and digital services, which is gradually becoming a new export growth frontier.

The AEON delegation, which recently visited Bangladesh, expressed appreciation for the country’s infrastructure development, including improvements in transport connectivity, power supply, and the expansion of industrial zones and special economic areas. The team conveyed interest in exploring investment opportunities in sectors with strong domestic demand as well as export potential.

In addition, Ambassador Md Daud Ali requested AEON to expand its scholarship programme for Bangladeshi students and increase employment of Bangladeshi workers across the company’s outlets in Japan, noting that stronger human resource linkages would further reinforce economic cooperation between the two countries.

Industry analysts observe that if AEON moves beyond retail sourcing and distribution into factory-based manufacturing in Bangladesh, it could create new regional supply chain linkages, particularly in food processing, private-label consumer products, and light industrial manufacturing — areas where Bangladesh is actively seeking greater Japanese foreign direct investment.

With ongoing development of special economic zones, improved logistics infrastructure, and growing policy support for FDI, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a strategic and cost-competitive manufacturing hub for Japanese companies looking to diversify production bases in Asia.