JAPANESE Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada's trip to Dhaka has proved useful in some distinct ways. For one thing, his visit has marked a renewal of contact between Japan and Bangladesh at a high level since Foreign Minister Taro Aso's visit to Dhaka in 2006. For another, it has cleared the air of any confusion over Japan's financing some of our important infrastructure projects.

The two countries have had notes to exchange and experiences to share, especially following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Tokyo in 2010. Then came devastating Tsunami striking Japan. But as ever resilient, the country has bounced back. Simultaneous with its rebuilding efforts, Tokyo continues with it international assistance programmes without any let-up.

In this context, we welcome Okada's statement that Japan has no reservations about changes in Dhaka's metro rail plan; on the contrary it is positive about funding the project. On Padma bridge, however, Okada stressed the urgency of Bangladesh negotiating with the World Bank on the pending issue and promised to talk to WB about 'howto find a solution'.

Importandy, Bangladesh side requested Japan to assist its food security efforts through construction of warehouses to preserve food for two to three years Japan agreed to consider it.

Bangladesh has two important offers for Japan on the table. The first relates to a comprehensive partnership deal; and the second has to do with an export processing zone exclusively for Japanese industries underpinned by investment in power and gas exploration for the zone.

The Japanese Deputy PM while meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister made some important observations. He said, "Bangladesh is a country of potential and will go a long way if its potential can be properly utilised." One couldn't agree more with him. Okada also pointed out that for Japanese investment to markedly increase in Bangladesh, the problems of electricity, gas and administrative procedure will have to be overcome. The counsel needs to be heeded.