A technical collaboration meeting was held on March 11, 2025, between the Department of NAME, BUET, and representatives from Japan’s JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), as well as the Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Division of the Maritime Bureau, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan. The meeting was attended by several BUET faculty members and focused primarily on the opportunities for hiring foreign skilled workers, particularly naval architects, to contribute to Japan’s shipbuilding industry. Both sides exchanged ideas on enhancing technical cooperation and creating pathways for skilled graduates from BUET to explore employment opportunities in Japan’s maritime sector. 

During the meeting, the Japanese delegation highlighted JETRO’s role as an independent administrative agency under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, serving as a bridge between Japanese and global economies. JETRO’s initiatives include expanding overseas business, promoting open innovation, and facilitating the recruitment of highly skilled foreign professionals. Through its Singapore office and a wide global network, JETRO also supports foreign investment in Japan, international collaboration with Japanese companies, and the promotion of Japanese exports. These efforts aim to foster ecosystems that encourage capital circulation, technological advancement, and talent development. 

Furthermore, the Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Division of MLIT is working on several initiatives to strengthen Japan’s shipbuilding industry. These include securing human resources, enhancing capacity building, improving productivity in shipyards, and supporting the development of specialized vessels such as those related to wind energy and patrol vessels. One of the key projects supporting these goals is the CAJS (Council for Advancement of Japanese Shipbuilding) Internship Program, which has signed MOUs with universities in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam since 2019. The program creates a direct pathway from internship to employment, involving steps such as candidate matching, online interviews, internship participation, and mutual evaluations. So far, CAJS has built strong partnerships with 10 universities worldwide, successfully establishing a consistent talent pipeline. 

Looking ahead, Japan is keen to expand its skilled workforce in the shipbuilding sector, particularly in light of increased demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although foreign worker numbers temporarily declined during the pandemic, they are now steadily rising as Japan eases entry restrictions. With the industry’s renewed growth, Japan is looking to include other countries, such as Bangladesh, in its talent development initiatives. This technical collaboration opens new opportunities for BUET graduates to contribute to Japan's shipbuilding sector, aligning with Japan’s broader strategy of fostering international cooperation and strengthening its workforce through global talent exchange.