Bangladesh heading towards democratic path: Japanese envoy
He praised the interim govt’s recent steps and expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s progress towards middle-income status
Bangladesh is heading towards a democratic path through the national election to be held next year, Japan's Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi said today (30 November).
Praising the steps taken by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Saida Shinichi said, "Bangladesh is on track to become a middle-income country."
He made these remarks while speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at Lakeshore Hotel in the capital.
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JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, in his speech, said this year marked significant progress in the ongoing negotiations of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which is approaching completion.
"JBCCI has been honoured to actively participate in ministry-level consultations and collaborate with relevant government and industry stakeholders to shape an agreement that is fair, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial," he said.
"We are optimistic that its finalisation will unlock new opportunities for businesses on both sides," he added.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan also said that in infrastructure, the continued expansion and rising public uptake of the JICA-funded Metro Rail project is transforming urban mobility in Dhaka.
"As a symbol of modern Japan–Bangladesh collaboration, it is already easing congestion and improving quality of life for residents," he said.
"On the trade front, bilateral commerce between Japan and Bangladesh continues to grow steadily. JBCCI is working closely with stakeholders to support strategic policy planning and promote Bangladesh as a destination for Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI), especially for companies seeking diversification and resilience in their production bases," the JBCCI president added.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan said that in 2025, the chamber enriched its platform with dynamic activities, including factory visits, business networking events, seminars, and high-level dialogues.
"A highlight was our Business Delegation to Japan in September 2025, bringing together 25 distinguished participants for meetings with chambers, enterprises, and government officials in Tokyo and Osaka," he said.
"Supported by IETRO, we hosted successful seminars and networking events that deepened our engagement and expanded our strategic networks," he added.
According to EPB data, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan reached $3.12 billion in FY2023–24, with imports and exports amounting to $1.81 billion and $1.31 billion respectively. Japan is Bangladesh's 12th largest export destination, 9th largest import source and 11th largest source of FDI stock.
Meanwhile, the eighth round of talks held in October through a Zoom meeting indicated progress toward signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, sources in Dhaka and Tokyo said.
Sources said the national election in Bangladesh is likely to be held in early February, and the interim government is interested in signing the EPA with Japan as a success story in economic negotiations.
