Politics · Bangladesh Bureau
Bangladesh PM seeks Japanese support for KAFCO modernisation, second fertiliser plant
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to Japan for technical and financial assistance to upgrade the Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company (KAFCO) and establish a second fertiliser manufacturing facility in Bangladesh.
LSN Bangladesh ·

The Prime Minister's request underscores Bangladesh's strategy to strengthen its fertiliser production capacity and reduce dependence on imports, leveraging Japan's advanced industrial expertise and investment capabilities. The modernisation of KAFCO, one of the country's key fertiliser producers, is seen as essential to improving operational efficiency and meeting domestic agricultural demand. KAFCO currently operates as a vital component of Bangladesh's fertiliser sector, serving farmers across the nation with urea and other essential nutrients. The proposed second fertiliser plant would represent a significant expansion of domestic production infrastructure, potentially generating employment and strengthening the agricultural supply chain. Bangladesh and Japan have maintained long-standing development partnerships, with Tokyo providing substantial development assistance across multiple sectors including infrastructure, energy, and industrial development. The government's initiative reflects ongoing efforts to boost self-sufficiency in fertiliser production, critical for supporting the country's agricultural sector and food security objectives. Japanese investment and technology transfer could enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladesh's fertiliser manufacturing industry while contributing to broader economic development goals.