NAGOYA, Japan. October 29, 2026: On Thursday, the last day of a four-day official visit to Japan, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Nagoya. The visit was intended to reinforce plans to establish a Toyota vehicle manufacturing operation in Bangladesh.
The Motomachi Plant Inside
The prime minister “inspected the plant with members of his entourage and saw the assembly of the vehicle,” his additional press secretary said.
The program also included a luncheon hosted by Toyota Tsusho Corporation President and CEO Toshimitsu Imai and a visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
Following October Talks in Dhaka
The tour follows a meeting last month. A delegation led by Toyota Tsusho Vice Chairman Ichiro Kashitani briefed the prime minister on Oct. 6 about the company’s plan to set up a vehicle manufacturing plant in Bangladesh. Reports on that meeting said Toyota Tsusho is set to begin developing a hybrid vehicle manufacturing industry in Bangladesh in 2027, with full-scale production expected in 2029. It is designed to operate in an economic zone.
At that meeting, Rahman welcomed the interest of Toyota in expanding its investment and operations and said the government is committed to providing policy support, infrastructure and other facilities for foreign investors.
How much was invested?
The size of the investment has not been officially confirmed. Toyota plans to invest approximately $500 million in a vehicle assembly plant, diplomatic sources have told local media.
Part of Broader Japan Trade Push
The visit to Nagoya was the last leg of a trade and investment-focused trip. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi invited Rahman to travel to Tokyo with a view to deepening bilateral ties and attracting investment and expanding trade.
Officials said at least four memorandums of understanding will be signed during the visit. Also on the itinerary was a visit to an LNG terminal and power plant in Chiba, and a keynote speech at the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Forum.
What it means to Bangladesh
Toyota already has a strong presence in Bangladesh, through Toyota Bangladesh Limited, which sells and services vehicles locally. The company said setting up a domestic production base would be a significant step for the company and for Bangladesh’s drive to build up its automotive and industrial sectors, including job creation and transfer of technology.
Neither side has announced a final site, construction timeline or confirmed investment figure. Details are expected to emerge as preparatory work starts in 2027.
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