Japan yesterday suggested that Bangladesh take effective anti-corruption measures for proper utilisation of its tax payers' money in development assistance programmes.

The suggestion came from Katsuya Okada, deputy prime minister of Japan, during a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before his departure for Colombo yesterday. He also asked the Bangladesh government to resolve various other problems including shortage in gas and electricity supply to attract more investment from his country.

Many Japanese companies are eager to come to Bangladesh considering it a promising destination for investment, Okada said.

He also suggested the Bangladesh government solve its difficulties one by one.

Okada, who came here on Thursday, said Japan will support Bangladesh to overcome its challenges while Japanese investment in this country is increasing gradually.

Asked about Japanese funding for Metro Rail project, he said, “The project is still under consideration, and we are examining and sorting it.”

Replying to another question about Japanese financing in the construction of Padma Bridge, Okada said “we remain committed" but Japan alone cannot support this big project.

He said the Bangladesh government should negoti-

ate with the World Bank (WB) to end the impasse, reiterating that his government would also talk with the WB as Japan wants a breakthrough in this issue.

The Japanese deputy prime minister termed the existing relations between the two countries excellent and hoped that it would deepen further.

He gave an assurance that Japan would continue its support to Bangladesh in its development endeavours.

Okada highly appreciated the supportive role of Bangladesh people after the devastating earthquake and Tsunami in Japan last year.

Earlier yesterday, the Japanese deputy premier had a breakfast meeting with the business community at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.

Okada told the meeting that bilateral trade and business between the two countries would increase further in next 20 years.

He hoped that the present success of Japanese compa-nies operating in Bangladesh will help attract more investment from his country in future.

Mentioning that several

Japanese companies complained to him of not getting adequate power and gas supply to their establishments, Okada said, “I have informed the Bangladesh prime minister of the matter."

Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the meeting.

The Japanese deputy premier also visited Matsuoka Apparel Factory in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital. During his visit, Okada told reporters that he was highly impressed to see many Bangladeshi people working hard in the factory.

Quoting the factory manager, he said “Bangladesh is a diamond. If you shine it, the country will become a real diamond.”

Minister for Food and Disaster Management Muhammad Abdur Razzaque briefly spoke at the press conference and saw off the Japanese deputy prime minister.

Ambassador at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Shiro Sadoshima, among others, were present at the airport.