<div><b><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori said his country will continue support in development activities of Bangladesh.&nbsp;</span><br></b></div><div><b>&nbsp;</b></div><div>"JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) will work on capacity building for human resource development of Bangladesh," he said.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The ambassador paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at his ministry office.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>During the call on, they discussed various issues related to mutual interest.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The Japanese ambassador thanked the state minister for 100 percent electrification of the country and said Japan will always cooperate in the development activities of Bangladesh.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Realizing the success of the Japanese company ONUDA in making gas meters, he said more small and large Japanese companies will come to work in Bangladesh, adding, "The concept of 'Smart Bangladesh' will transform Bangladesh into a developed one by 2041."</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Welcoming the ambassador of Japan, Nasrul Hamid said the government has undertaken projects as per the plan, which will require more $30 billion in the next 5 years.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>"A joint operation and maintenance company can be formed, which will save both money and time for Bangladesh. JICA can support Bangladesh Power Management Institute to make it an international standard institution," he said.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The state minister said smart power and energy master plan is needed for a smart Bangladesh, which will take all sectors forward behind the scene. "Japan can assist in adopting and implementing energy sector (gas and oil) master plans," he added.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Besides, they also discussed about Matarbari power hub, underground cables and sub-stations, prepaid meters, smart meters, gas meters and upcoming projects in the power and energy sector. - BSS</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>