বৃহস্পতিবার, ২৯ অক্টোবর ২০২৬, ০৭:৩২ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, Oct 29, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s access to Japan’s lucrative market, fresh investment and new job opportunities could hinge on the early implementation of the landmark Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), with the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka stressing swift entry into force and effective execution to turn the deal into tangible economic gains.
In written responses to queries from BSS, the embassy’s Economic Section stressed that businesses must be adequately informed about the agreement’s provisions, particularly tariff preferences and rules of origin, to translate the deal into tangible economic benefits.
The EPA, signed on February 6, 2026, marks a major step in bilateral economic relations, establishing a comprehensive framework for expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Once the agreement enters into force, it will provide preferential market access under agreed tariff schedules and greater predictability through provisions covering services, investment, customs procedures, e-commerce and intellectual property, the embassy said.
“The immediate priorities are early entry into force and effective implementation,” it said, underscoring the importance of completing the necessary government procedures and preparing businesses to take advantage of the agreement.
The embassy also emphasised the need for greater awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), saying outreach initiatives could broaden business participation and help more companies benefit from the new trade framework.
As Bangladesh prepares for its transition beyond the least developed country (LDC) category, the agreement could provide businesses with a more predictable framework for planning exports, investment and long-term commercial partnerships.
The embassy said sustained dialogue between the two governments and their business communities would be essential to convert the agreement into increased trade, fresh investment and employment.
Following the agreement’s entry into force, both sides could use established mechanisms, including the Joint Committee, to address implementation issues and further improve trade and investment conditions.
Beyond the EPA, the embassy highlighted considerable scope for Bangladesh to diversify exports to Japan beyond ready-made garments (RMG), particularly in leather goods, jute products, pharmaceuticals and information technology services.
It also suggested exploring upstream industries, including automobile components, as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its manufacturing base and integrate into international supply chains.
However, Bangladeshi exporters would need a better understanding of Japanese market requirements, consistent product quality, reliable delivery and compliance with relevant environmental, labour and product standards. For pharmaceuticals, meeting Japan’s product approval and manufacturing quality requirements would be particularly important.
The embassy also identified manufacturing, food processing, consumer products, IT services, logistics and energy as potential areas for Japanese investment in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Araihazar, Narayanganj, could serve as an important platform for attracting Japanese companies, creating employment and developing local supplier networks.
The embassy said improvements in infrastructure, administrative efficiency and policy predictability would further encourage Japanese investors to establish operations and expand their presence in Bangladesh.
The EPA, alongside stronger industrial cooperation and an improved investment climate, could help deepen the economic partnership between the two countries, it added.
