The Bangladesh Japan EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) 2026, stands to be a landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Tokyo. Marking the country’s first comprehensive bilateral trade and economic pact with a developed economy. The agreement was formally signed on 6 February 2026 by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin for Bangladesh and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii for Japan at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Under the Bangladesh Japan EPA 2026 agreement, Japan will grant 100 percent duty‑free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products. These products include readymade garments (RMG), helping safeguard market access after Bangladesh’s upcoming Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation later in 2026. In return, Bangladesh has committed to offering duty‑free or preferential access to 1,039 Japanese products. The prod phased manner, balancing trade liberalisation with domestic industrial needs. 

A key provision of the pact is the inclusion of the “single transformation” rules of origin for the apparel sector. Simplifying export conditions by removing complex requirements around raw material sourcing, facilitates smoother access to Japan’s market. 

The also EPA encompasses cooperation in goods and services, investment protection, movement of skilled manpower, and broader economic engagement. Negotiated over seven rounds of talks in Dhaka and Tokyo, the agreement reflects deepening bilateral ties and mutual commitment to sustainable economic collaboration. 

The historic agreement is expected to support Bangladesh’s export diversification strategy. And strengthen investor confidence, and create new avenues for Japanese investment in priority sectors. This will position Bangladesh as a more competitive player in global markets.

Source: The Financial Express