Japan EPA signals Bangladesh’s transition beyond LDC benefits: ICCB
The agreement also includes provisions on services, investment, customs facilitation, intellectual property and digital trade, with Japan opening 120 service sub-sectors and Bangladesh reciprocating with 97, ICCB said.
The signing of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on 6 February 2026 marks Bangladesh's transition from LDC-era preferential access to a rules-based global trade framework, according to the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB).
Japan has granted duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products covering nearly 97% of exports, including readymade garments, helping mitigate risks tied to LDC graduation, the chamber said in a press release today (20 April).
The agreement also includes provisions on services, investment, customs facilitation, intellectual property and digital trade, with Japan opening 120 service sub-sectors and Bangladesh reciprocating with 97, it added.
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It noted the EPA could diversify exports beyond garments into electronics, automotive components and processed goods through Japanese investment and supply chain integration.
The agreement strengthens Bangladesh's negotiating position with partners such as the European Union, ASEAN and the United Kingdom, the release added.
In contrast, the Bangladesh-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement offers limited, conditional access and lacks comprehensive coverage, the release said.
It stressed that realising benefits will depend on domestic reforms, adding the EPA signals Bangladesh's readiness for deeper global economic integration.
