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Dhaka, Tokyo should 'develop new pattern of trade relations'
Speakers at a seminar Thursday viewed that Bangladesh and Japan can develop a new pattern of bilateral relations in the face of emerging geostrategic and geo-economic conditions in South Asia and beyond.
They said overriding focus on overseas development assistance (ODA) and foreign direct investment (FDI) distracts attention from the critical area of two country's relations which is development cooperation and human linkage.
They came up with the observations at a working session of a two-day international seminar titled "Japan-Bangladesh relations" organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies at its office in the city.
Dr. Delwar Hossain, professor of International Relations Department of Dhaka University presented key-note paper titled "Japan-Bangladesh relations: Understanding the core issues and future directions" in the session.
The session was part of an international seminar on "Prospects for Peace and Security through Regional Cooperation in 21st Century South Asia: The Role of Japan" organized by BIISS with the support from Japan Foundation on 04-05 January.
In the key-note paper, Delwar Hossain said the growing engagement of Japan in South Asia clearly demonstrates a new era in her relations with this region both at bilateral and multilateral levels from its earlier stance of keeping low profile relations with SA nations for decades.
He said asymmetric relations between the two nations are generally explained in terms of stage of economic development which brings about donor-recipient dichotomy to the forefront. With a mindset based on asymmetry, both the nations have not been able to maintain wider level of interactions throughout the pre and post cold war era.
Delwar Hossain said factors that bring Bangladesh and Japan closer based on common perceptions and actions are also equally important to develop relations between the two countries. The perceptions and actions include commitment to global cooperation, international institutions, particularly UN system.
He said despite having colonial linkages and strong socio-economic and strategic relations between Bangladesh and the Western countries, the volume of aid remains far less than that of Japan. In 2010 Japan disbursed total assistance amounting US$ 121.27 million which is about 33.31 per cent of total aid Bangladesh during the financial year.
"Besides, Japan has committed to provide substantially enhanced projects loans of US$440 million to Bangladesh in 2010-11 which clearly shows how Bangladesh is dependent on Japan," he said.
Stating that Japan is the 11th largest trade destination of Bangladeshi goods, Dr. Delwar said compared to Southeast and East Asian countries, Japan have negligible trade linkages with Bangladesh.
He said despite Generalised system of preference (GSP) facility which allows duty-free access of most Bangladeshi goods to Japan there is huge trade gap between the two countries.
He said only 7/8 items of Bangladeshi goods constitute 90 per cent shares of the total exports in Japan though the country exports more than 70 products to Japan.
He said Bangladesh has huge potentials to develop relation with Japan in the fronts of culture, education and strategic aspects. The two countries can play more important role in international arena.
Former Director General of BIISS, Major General (retd.) Muhammad Abdul Matin presided over the session. A good number of experts attended the seminar and discussed on the paper.
Speakers at a seminar Thursday viewed that Bangladesh and Japan can develop a new pattern of bilateral relations in the face of emerging geostrategic and geo-economic conditions in South Asia and beyond.
They said overriding focus on overseas development assistance (ODA) and foreign direct investment (FDI) distracts attention from the critical area of two country's relations which is development cooperation and human linkage.
They came up with the observations at a working session of a two-day international seminar titled "Japan-Bangladesh relations" organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies at its office in the city.
Dr. Delwar Hossain, professor of International Relations Department of Dhaka University presented key-note paper titled "Japan-Bangladesh relations: Understanding the core issues and future directions" in the session.
The session was part of an international seminar on "Prospects for Peace and Security through Regional Cooperation in 21st Century South Asia: The Role of Japan" organized by BIISS with the support from Japan Foundation on 04-05 January.
In the key-note paper, Delwar Hossain said the growing engagement of Japan in South Asia clearly demonstrates a new era in her relations with this region both at bilateral and multilateral levels from its earlier stance of keeping low profile relations with SA nations for decades.
He said asymmetric relations between the two nations are generally explained in terms of stage of economic development which brings about donor-recipient dichotomy to the forefront. With a mindset based on asymmetry, both the nations have not been able to maintain wider level of interactions throughout the pre and post cold war era.
Delwar Hossain said factors that bring Bangladesh and Japan closer based on common perceptions and actions are also equally important to develop relations between the two countries. The perceptions and actions include commitment to global cooperation, international institutions, particularly UN system.
He said despite having colonial linkages and strong socio-economic and strategic relations between Bangladesh and the Western countries, the volume of aid remains far less than that of Japan. In 2010 Japan disbursed total assistance amounting US$ 121.27 million which is about 33.31 per cent of total aid Bangladesh during the financial year.
"Besides, Japan has committed to provide substantially enhanced projects loans of US$440 million to Bangladesh in 2010-11 which clearly shows how Bangladesh is dependent on Japan," he said.
Stating that Japan is the 11th largest trade destination of Bangladeshi goods, Dr. Delwar said compared to Southeast and East Asian countries, Japan have negligible trade linkages with Bangladesh.
He said despite Generalised system of preference (GSP) facility which allows duty-free access of most Bangladeshi goods to Japan there is huge trade gap between the two countries.
He said only 7/8 items of Bangladeshi goods constitute 90 per cent shares of the total exports in Japan though the country exports more than 70 products to Japan.
He said Bangladesh has huge potentials to develop relation with Japan in the fronts of culture, education and strategic aspects. The two countries can play more important role in international arena.
Former Director General of BIISS, Major General (retd.) Muhammad Abdul Matin presided over the session. A good number of experts attended the seminar and discussed on the paper.
