Japan’s Marubeni Signals Strong Interest in Broader Investments Across Bangladesh
The Japanese conglomerate discussed expanding its existing presence in Bangladesh through projects in industrial production, digital infrastructure, energy, ship recycling and automobiles.
Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation has shown clear interest in significantly expanding its investments in Bangladesh beyond its current activities. A senior delegation led by President and CEO Masayuki Omoto held detailed discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, covering opportunities in fertiliser production, information technology and artificial intelligence, energy, ship recycling, and possible automobile manufacturing.
Marubeni is already familiar with the Bangladeshi market. It holds an equity investment in Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and has a partnership with local technology firm BJIT for offshore IT services. The company has also participated in power projects and supplied systems for the Dhaka Metro Rail. Company representatives indicated that these existing engagements form a base for further expansion rather than the limit of their plans.
Fertiliser emerged as a major focus. Officials and the Marubeni team examined options to upgrade KAFCO's current facilities, make better use of available natural gas, and increase overall output. Interest was expressed in establishing a second KAFCO plant and in new technical cooperation for producing diammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple superphosphate (TSP). Such moves could help meet domestic agricultural demand while creating additional industrial capacity.
In the technology sphere, both sides noted the contribution of Bangladeshi engineers already working through the BJIT joint venture on projects serving Japanese and other international clients. Discussions pointed to room for growth in artificial intelligence applications, cybersecurity services, and broader IT offshoring. The possibility of setting up an AI-based data centre in Bangladesh within the next year was also raised, reflecting interest in higher-value digital infrastructure.
Energy security received attention as well. Talks included conventional power generation and the potential role of small modular reactor technology in supporting reliable long-term supply. Ship recycling was another area of interest, particularly the introduction of more environmentally responsible methods. Separately, the idea of manufacturing Toyota-branded vehicles locally was explored, which could link Bangladesh more closely to regional automotive supply chains.
Commerce Minister Muktadir assured the delegation of official backing. He described steps the government is taking to reduce administrative hurdles in company registration, licensing, and investment approvals, and confirmed that mechanisms for repatriating profits and capital would remain available to foreign investors. He highlighted scope for joint ventures in manufacturing, automobiles, agro-processing, and high-technology fields, while also mentioning efforts to move the jute sector toward higher-value products.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited Marubeni to invest in IT, fertiliser, and energy, stressing the government's focus on improving the overall investment environment and generating employment. Progress toward a Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement was noted as a factor that could strengthen the conditions for such projects.
No binding commitments were announced, yet the meetings demonstrate active interest from a major Japanese investor and a receptive stance from Bangladeshi authorities. Any projects that advance would build on Marubeni's existing presence, support technology transfer, and contribute to industrial diversification at a time when Bangladesh is preparing for shifts in its trade preferences and seeking broader sources of growth and foreign exchange. The discussions mark a practical step in ongoing efforts to attract quality Japanese investment into priority sectors.