Bangladesh and Japan aim to finalize an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by late 2025 or early 2026. This agreement will deepen trade and investment ties between the two nations.

The announcement came on Wednesday during the launch of the EPA Study Report at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka. The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) organized the event and unveiled the report.

JBCCI formed a standing committee to oversee the process and hired the consulting firm Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Limited. The firm prepared the study report, which highlights the benefits and challenges of the EPA.

Key Takeaways from the Event:

• Iwama Kiminori, Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, praised JBCCI for its initiative. He expressed hope that the report would speed up the EPA signing process.
• Md Emran, Executive Director of JBCCI, noted the EPA’s importance for ensuring duty-free market access for Bangladesh. This is especially critical as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.
• Manabu Sugawara, JBCCI President, emphasized the EPA’s role in enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.
• M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, presented key findings. He explained how both countries could benefit from the agreement and discussed its potential challenges.

The EPA is expected to drive economic collaboration and mutual growth. It will also position Bangladesh for greater success in the post-LDC era.

Source: The Business Standard