Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad yesterday sought increased Japanese investment for the development of Bangladesh during a luncheon meeting with Japanese investor in Tokyo, reports BSS.

Azad said with Japanese investment. Bangladesh, besides providing employment for the semi-skilled and unskilled manpower, will be benefited by having modern technology, a message from Tokyo said.

Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation (JBCCEC) hosted the lunch in honour of the visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad.

JBCCEC is a forum comprising both private and public leadership of two countries for promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between them.

While welcoming Azad, Chairman of JBCCEC Uzuhiko Uwatoko disclosed that the organisation will explore the possibilities of setting up of medium and small-scale industries in Bangladesh, It was in-

formed in the luncheon that JBCCEC in collaboration with Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo is planning to arrange a business conference of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) of the two countries in Dhaka in February at the time of the tenth meeting of Japan-Bangladesh Joint Committee, the message said.

Addressing the Japanese business leaders, the foreign minister mentioned that Japan is a great friend of Bangladesh and hoped that the cooperation between the two countries would be strengthened in the coming years. He mentioned about Japanese assistance in building Bangabandhu Bridge and said Bangladesh was interested to attract investment In small and medium scale industries as it suited its overall abilities. The Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord, the minister said, had brightened the opportunities for setting up of industrial park and agricultural farm in the region, the message added.

Uwatoko conveyed (o Azad the deep appreciation of the trade delegation that visited Bangladesh last week under his leadership. He spoke high of the efficient handling of relief and post flood rehabilitation activities.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Japan Hashed Ahmed. CEOs of Japanese big trading houses and officials of Bangladesh Embassy attended the luncheon.

Meanwhile another APB reports says: While speaking at a dinner hosted by the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary League and Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Association in Tokyo Monday, the Foreign Minister hoped Bangladesh would continue to receive Japanese support to forge ahead with its cherished goals of attaining self-reliance and alleviation of poverty.

Expressing deep gratitude to the people and the government of Japan for the generous help and assistance since Its Independence. Samad Azad recalled

their support in the Liberation War and subsequently in the reconstruction of the country's war-ravaged economy.

Former Foreign and Finance Minister of Japan Hiroshi Mitsuzuka. referring to the strong bond of friendship established by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mu-jibur Rahman, appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in ensuring democracy and development In Bangladesh.

Mitsuzuka, a veteran parliamentarian. lauded the efficient handling of recent floods. He appreciated the role of Bangladesh government in consolidating democracy and strengthening regional cooperation.

He also lauded Dhaka's role In organising the three-nation Business Summit.

Praising the formation Bangladesh-Japan Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association. he expressed the hope that both the countries would be immensely benefited with the exchange of views among the parliamentarians.