Senior Secretary of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment ministry Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan met with Akiyama Shinichi, Senior Assistant Minister for International Affairs of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in Tokyo today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh and Japan today discussed expanding cooperation in skilled migration and healthcare sectors, with both sides reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening workforce mobility and investment partnerships under an evolving bilateral framework.

The discussion was held when Senior Secretary of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment ministry Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan met Akiyama Shinichi, Senior Assistant Minister for International Affairs of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in Tokyo today, according to a message received here. 

Bangladesh's Ambassador to Japan Md. Daud Ali also attended the meeting.

Dr. Bhuiyan highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, founded on shared values of democracy, development, and the rule of law. 

He noted Bangladesh's five-decade experience as a major manpower-sending nation and its growing role in Japan's construction, caregiving, manufacturing, and IT sectors.

Referring to recent developments, he mentioned the two Memoranda of Understanding signed during the Hon'ble Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's visit to Japan in May 2025, targeting the recruitment of 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years.

He also discussed the establishment of a dedicated Japan Cell to coordinate Japanese language and skills training across government and private institutions.

The Senior Secretary thanked Japan for initiating Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) field tests in Bangladesh and urged consideration of additional sectors, including food processing, industrial manufacturing, automobile maintenance, aviation, and shipbuilding.

Dr. Bhuiyan further proposed deeper collaboration in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, inviting Japanese investment and cooperation in medical technology, as well as the import of high-quality Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products.

Senior Assistant Minister Akiyama welcomed the initiatives, acknowledging Japan's growing need for foreign workers amid its aging population. 

He assured continued cooperation and encouraged coordination through Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo.

Later in the day, Dr. Bhuiyan attended a Seminar on Human Resources organized by IM Japan, one of Japan's major manpower-receiving organizations, where around 200 Japanese companies participated.