JBCCI welcomes agreement in principle on Bangladesh–Japan EPA
The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has welcomed the announcement that the governments of Bangladesh and Japan have reached an agreement in principle on the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), describing it as a significant step toward a comprehensive bilateral economic partnership.
The EPA aims to deepen trade, investment and services linkages between the two countries and is expected to play a crucial role as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status in 2026. The agreement in principle reflects alignment on the framework and key provisions of the EPA, with formal signing expected following completion of legal and cabinet-level procedures in both countries.
JBCCI said it actively supported the process by commissioning a policy study titled "Accelerating Japan-Bangladesh EPA: Key Priorities and Strategies Ahead", conducting perception surveys among JBCCI and Shoo Koo Kai (JCIAD) members, and engaging with public and private stakeholders to provide research-based recommendations for the negotiations.
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The chamber noted that several private sector priorities — including simplified rules of origin, expanded market access for readymade garments, liberalisation of service sectors and enhanced regulatory cooperation — have been reflected in the structure of the proposed EPA.
According to JBCCI, key elements of the agreed framework include immediate duty-free access for 7,379 Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market, preferential access for 1,039 Japanese product categories in Bangladesh, and liberalisation of more than 100 service sub-sectors to encourage investment, skills development and innovation.
JBCCI also acknowledged the efforts of the negotiation teams, including Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BIDA and the Joint Study Group, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting implementation and outreach as the agreement moves toward ratification.
