Bangladesh and Japan are set to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by late 2025 or early 2026, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The announcement came during the launch of the “EPA Study Report” at the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) initiated the report through the consulting firm Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Limited. Highlighting EPA’s significance, JBCCI Executive Director Md Emran stated that the agreement will secure duty-free market access for Bangladesh post-LDC graduation in 2026.
Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori commended JBCCI’s efforts and expressed hope for accelerated progress using the report’s insights. JBCCI President Manabu Sugawara emphasized EPA’s potential to boost trade and investment, while Policy Exchange Chairman M Masrur Reaz outlined its benefits and challenges. The EPA is seen as a vital step for deepening economic ties and addressing post-graduation trade challenges for Bangladesh.
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