[🇧🇩] Strategic Aspect of Bangla-Japan Relation

[Bilal9]

The new government should make a policy to free the press/media of Indian influence. Most of our press/media protect Indian interest. Daily Star (Delhi Star) and Prothom Alo (Delhi'r Alo) are the two most prominent news outlets which need to be shut down for their pro-India policy.

Yes Daily Star (Delhi Star) and Prothom Alo (Delhi'r Alo) are the big 800 pound Gorillas - but there are small ones too. There are countless haramis in Bangladesh with Muslim names who secretively have Thakur houses in one of their rooms at home and if you check their wee-wees you will see uncircumcised ones.

Too many Muslim-named Hindus and Munafiqs all over Bangladesh fed by successive administrations to be India dalals. One thinks a Bolshevik style purge is needed urgently with checking allegiances. One doesn't need to be a patriot - but allegiances to countries other than Bangladesh is definitely something that needs to be vetted, starting with public figures and media personalities/influencers.

The good news is that public awareness of these dalals and foreign agents (especially from the big neighbor) is higher than ever before, and that momentum needs to be kept up with the public identifying these culprits.

One may ask why this is necessary in a democratic country. Foreign agents will always try to sabotage our relations with countries overseas, especially Japan, which is the subject of this thread. Our strategic partnership with Japan on new agreements on defense, labor, and development is the target of these haramis.

 

[Saif]

Japan EPA opens doors, reforms now vital

Business leaders and policy experts on Tuesday urged the government to tackle long-standing structural bottlenecks to fully capitalise on the newly signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, warning that the deal alone will not automatically boost trade and investment. They said that

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan EPA opens doors, reforms now vital

FE REPORT
Published :
Mar 04, 2026 11:50
Updated :
Mar 04, 2026 11:50

Business leaders and policy experts on Tuesday urged the government to tackle long-standing structural bottlenecks to fully capitalise on the newly signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, warning that the deal alone will not automatically boost trade and investment.

They said that while the agreement offers significant market access opportunities, its success will depend on swift implementation of domestic reforms and export diversification.

The call came at a roundtable titled 'Export Potentialities under Bangladesh-Japan EPA: Challenges and Way Forward', organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) at its office in the capital.

Bangladesh signed its first-ever EPA with Japan on February 6. Under the agreement, 7,379 Bangladeshi products will enjoy 100 per cent duty-free access to the Japanese market, while 1,039 Japanese products will receive duty-free access in phases.

AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary, secretary general of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said the focus must now shift from celebration to implementation.

"We need to assess how effectively and how quickly the EPA can be translated into tangible economic gains," he said.

He noted that Japan has signed EPAs with nearly 20 countries with notable results.

Following the Japan-India EPA, bilateral trade reportedly rose to around $18 billion, while Japan-Vietnam trade increased from about $24 billion to nearly $51 billion.

"These figures are encouraging, but we must avoid complacency. The real challenge is whether Bangladesh can replicate such success," he said.

Citing reports by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Patwary said Bangladesh is often identified as a promising destination for Japanese investors.

However, administrative delays, infrastructure gaps, supply chain disruptions, customs complexities and regulatory bottlenecks continue to hinder investment, he said.

"Japan's outward FDI stood at roughly $500 billion in 2025, yet Japanese FDI stock in Bangladesh is only about $500 million despite five decades of relations. This gap shows that signing agreements is not enough -- we must remove practical roadblocks," he added.

He also stressed the need to diversify exports beyond readymade garments, highlighting opportunities in fintech, nursing, caregiving, engineering and IT-enabled services.

Addressing non-tariff barriers, including language constraints,

technical standards and compliance requirements, will be crucial to broadening the export basket, he added.

Asif Ashraf, managing director of Urmi Group and former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the EPA offers much-needed certainty for the RMG sector amid concerns over post-LDC duty implications.

"Japan's apparel import market is worth about $20 billion, but Bangladesh captures only $1.4 billion. To expand our share, we must diversify into manmade fibre-based products and ensure energy security, policy consistency and stronger R&D support," he said.

He added that the Japanese market requires patience, strict quality control and long-term commitment. Kanchan Miah, managing director of Arot Agro, said exporters of fresh vegetables are facing difficulties due to the suspension of the Dhaka-Narita direct flight and urged the government to resume the route to facilitate trade.

Professor Jahangir Alam, chairman of Dhaka University's Japanese Studies Department, said exporters would struggle to do business with Japanese customers without strong quality assurance, as the market is highly stringent in its standards.

Stakeholders from academia and sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, logistics, renewable energy, green technologies and agro-processing highlighted priority areas to strengthen bilateral trade and investment under the EPA framework.

Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Hajime Suzuki, executive officer of RX Japan Ltd, presented keynote papers emphasising preparedness, compliance and active participation in international trade fairs to expand market access.

Participants agreed that the EPA will deliver meaningful results only if backed by robust domestic reforms, capacity-building initiatives and targeted export diversification programmes. Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice-chairman and executive member of the EPB, moderated the session.​

 

[Saif]

EPA set to redefine Bangladesh-Japan trade landscape

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan on February 6, in Tokyo is poised to transform the trajectory of bilateral trade between the two countries, said Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI).

www.thedailystar.net

EPA set to redefine Bangladesh-Japan trade landscape

Says Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, president of bilateral business chamber

Jagaran Chakma

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan on February 6, in Tokyo is poised to transform the trajectory of bilateral trade between the two countries, said Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI).

In an interview with The Daily Star, Bhuiyan described the agreement as Bangladesh’s first comprehensive EPA and a landmark shift from a unilateral preference-based arrangement to a structured, rules-based bilateral trade framework.

“This is not just about tariff cuts,” he said. “It institutionalises our trade relationship with Japan. It provides predictability, transparency and legal certainty — all of which are essential for sustainable trade growth.”

He said Japan has long been one of Bangladesh’s key trading partners, particularly as a destination for ready-made garments (RMG) and textile products.

However, he said with Bangladesh set to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status in the near future, concerns had emerged over the possible erosion of preferential market access.

He said under the existing Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, Bangladeshi exports enjoy duty-free or preferential treatment. After graduation, those benefits would no longer automatically apply.

“Without the EPA, our exporters, especially in garments, could have faced tariffs of 8 percent to 15 percent or more in the Japanese market,” Bhuiyan said. “That would have significantly affected our price competitiveness.”

He noted that the EPA secures duty-free or reduced-tariff access for more than 7,300 Bangladeshi products, including RMG, textiles and a wide range of manufactured goods. This ensures continuity in market access and shields exporters from sudden tariff shocks.

“For our bilateral trade, this continuity is critical. It means buyers in Japan can continue sourcing from Bangladesh without disruption, and our exporters can plan long-term investments with confidence,” he added.

While garments dominate Bangladesh’s exports to Japan, Bhuiyan said the EPA opens opportunities to diversify the trade basket.

The agreement includes provisions on customs facilitation, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property and digital trade — all of which reduce non-tariff barriers and enhance transparency.

“Many exporters struggle not just with tariffs but with complex procedures and compliance requirements,” he said. “Clearer rules and improved cooperation between customs authorities will lower transaction costs and reduce uncertainty.”

He believes that sectors such as agro-processing, leather goods, light engineering products, plastics and specialised manufacturing can gradually expand their presence in Japan if supported by quality improvements and compliance with Japanese standards.

However, he acknowledged that some leather and footwear products may not receive full duty benefits under the initial framework, which could create competitive pressure in certain segments.

“Industry stakeholders have raised concerns, particularly in leather. While the overall agreement is positive, sectors that do not receive immediate duty-free access will need to focus more on quality, branding and niche positioning,” he said.

On the import side, the EPA grants Japan preferential access to Bangladesh’s expanding domestic market for more than 1,000 products, including steel, machinery, auto parts and electronics. Some tariff reductions will be phased in over periods extending up to 18 years.

Bhuiyan described the phased approach as balanced and pragmatic.

“It allows Bangladesh to liberalise gradually while giving domestic industries time to adjust,” he said. “At the same time, access to high-quality Japanese machinery and intermediate goods will strengthen our industrial capacity.”

He noted that improved access to advanced machinery and components can raise productivity in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector, which in turn enhances export competitiveness in third-country markets.

“In bilateral trade, imports are not necessarily a threat. Strategic imports — especially capital goods and technology — can support export expansion,” he said.

Bhuiyan emphasised that the EPA has broader implications for supply chain integration between the two countries.

Japan is actively seeking to diversify and strengthen its supply chains in Asia. Bangladesh, with its competitive labour force, growing industrial zones and strategic location, can position itself as a reliable partner.

“The agreement reduces trade risks by establishing clear dispute settlement mechanisms and regulatory transparency,” he said. “This gives Japanese firms greater confidence in sourcing from and investing in Bangladesh.”

He added that improved customs cooperation and streamlined procedures will reduce delays and enhance reliability — a key factor in modern supply chains.

“As supply chains become more integrated, bilateral trade will not only grow in volume but also in sophistication,” he said.

Bhuiyan stressed that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must be prepared to take advantage of the EPA’s opportunities.

Export-oriented SMEs in garments are already integrated into global value chains, but other sectors may require capacity building.

“Compliance with rules of origin and technical standards will be crucial,” he said. “Government agencies and business associations must work together to ensure that exporters understand and utilise the agreement effectively.”

He also pointed to the importance of upgrading logistics infrastructure, including ports and cold chain facilities, to support higher trade volumes.

“Trade agreements create opportunities, but implementation determines the outcome,” he added,

While the EPA may not result in an immediate surge in trade volumes, Bhuiyan expressed confidence that it will generate steady and sustainable growth in bilateral trade over the medium to long term.

“This agreement marks a transition from a unilateral preference system to a mutually negotiated partnership,” he said. “It creates stability for our exports and enables structured expansion of trade in both directions.”

He emphasised that the success of the EPA will depend on proactive implementation, regulatory strengthening and private sector engagement in both countries.

“The framework is now in place,” Bhuiyan said. “If we utilise it effectively, Bangladesh–Japan bilateral trade can expand in volume, diversify in composition and deepen in value addition.”​

 

[Saif]

Half of Japanese firms in Bangladesh expect profits in 2026

Nearly half of Japanese firms doing business in Bangladesh are expecting to post operating profits this year, thanks to rebounding business confidence after national polls, strong domestic demand and cost competitiveness, according to a survey.

www.thedailystar.net

Half of Japanese firms in Bangladesh expect profits in 2026

Jetro survey finds improving confidence lifts outlook to highest level since 2019

Jagaran Chakma

Nearly half of Japanese firms doing business in Bangladesh are expecting to post operating profits this year, thanks to rebounding business confidence after national polls, strong domestic demand and cost competitiveness, according to a survey.

The number is up by more than 8 percentage points from 2024 and stands at the highest level since 2019.

“Profit growth is expected to be driven mainly by three factors: greater political and social stability after the election, rising expansion plans among Japanese firms, and growing opportunities in non-manufacturing sectors,” said Kazuiki Kataoka, country representative of Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro).

The Japanese government-backed agency promoting trade and investment conducted the survey titled “Business Conditions Survey 2025”. The report will be officially released by Jetro’s Dhaka office today.

Currently, around 340 to 350 Japanese companies operate in Bangladesh, and the number is gradually increasing.

Survey data shows that 21.6 percent of Japanese firms foresee breaking even this year, while 28.5 percent anticipate losses.

Alongside improving profit expectations, 56.9 percent of Japanese firms plan to expand their businesses in Bangladesh within the next one to two years, underscoring strong investor confidence. Only a small number of firms indicated plans to scale down, while the remainder expect to maintain current operations.

The primary driver of expansion is rising local market demand, cited by 66.7 percent of respondents. Firms also pointed to improved competitiveness and growing acceptance of their products and services.

Expansion plans vary across sectors. While 62.2 percent of firms in non-manufacturing sectors intend to expand, compared with 47.6 percent in manufacturing, Bangladesh continues to attract interest as a production base.

Kataoka said that Japanese firms are gradually redirecting investment focus from Southeast Asia to South Asia, with Bangladesh emerging as a key destination alongside India and Pakistan.

“Bangladesh is among the countries where Japanese firms show strong expansion interest compared to several Southeast Asian markets,” he added.

The rising interest reflects growing opportunities in urban consumption, particularly in Dhaka, where purchasing power is rising alongside demand for higher-quality goods.

On Japanese investment, Kataoka said it is difficult to determine an accurate figure, as many companies channel funds through third countries, meaning such investments are not reflected in official Japanese data.

However, direct investment from Japanese sources alone is estimated at no less than $400 million.

Despite the improving outlook, structural challenges continue to weigh on businesses.

Companies report that time-consuming tax procedures, regulatory uncertainty, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and inconsistent policy implementation remain major hurdles, often slowing operations and complicating long-term planning.

“These issues will take time to resolve, but improvements in government procedures could attract more Japanese investment,” Kataoka said.

He also pointed to broader concerns, including social instability and an underdeveloped legal system, which continue to affect operational efficiency and investor confidence.

Kataoka added that firms are likely to prioritise developing a skilled workforce for employment in Japan, as the country’s ageing population continues to grow. Bangladesh could play a key role in supplying workers, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and construction.​

 

[Saif]

Japan’s EPA with Bangladesh most concessionary one ever: Envoy

Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida claimed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Bangladesh is the most concessionary one Japan has ever signed and matches the new administration’s and BNP’s manifesto focus on economic growth. ‘We could send a clear message to the world t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Japan’s EPA with Bangladesh most concessionary one ever: Envoy

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Mar 30, 2026 17:26
Updated :
Mar 30, 2026 17:35

Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida claimed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Bangladesh is the most concessionary one Japan has ever signed and matches the new administration’s and BNP’s manifesto focus on economic growth.

‘We could send a clear message to the world that we both uphold free trade, considering the international trade circumstances,’ the Ambassador said while addressing an event titled Japan Business Day at a city hotel on Monday.

Japanese Embassy, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD) organised the event in commemoration of the EPA signing with Bangladesh in February.

On this occasion, JETRO shared the annual survey 2025 on Japanese companies.

Country Representative to JETRO Dhaka Kazuiki Kataoki presented the findings and said half of the Japanese companies expect profits in Bangladesh this year, while 29.5 per cent of the companies are expected to break even. The expectation of Japanese companies in 2024 was 33 per cent.

The Japanese Ambassador also termed the negotiations on the EPA between Japan and Bangladesh as powerful and tough, and said the negotiation skills the Bangladesh side gained through a Japanese assistance project made it confident to name the European Union as the next free trade agreement partner.

Terming strategic partnership founded on trust and shared values, Ambassador Saida hoped that the new administration‘s well-conceived plan consists of reconciliation to break the old-time cycle, restoration of law and order and economic growth through enhanced investment.​

 

[Saif]

Japanese investors want tax, regulatory reforms

Unpredictable tax practices, weak enforcement, and conflicting regulatory directives continue to raise costs and delay operations for businesses, Japanese investors said today.

www.thedailystar.net

Japanese investors want tax, regulatory reforms

Without policy continuity, long-term investment decisions remain at risk, they say

Star Business Report

Unpredictable tax practices, weak enforcement, and conflicting regulatory directives continue to raise costs and delay operations for businesses, Japanese investors said today.

Speaking at an event at The Westin Dhaka, marking the Japan Business Day, they argued that without policy continuity, transparent administration, and reliable dispute resolution, long-term investment decisions remain at risk.

The programme was jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh and Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).

“Clear, consistent and fairly applied rules are vital to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate. Uncertainty often outweighs product competitiveness,” said Manabu Sugawara, president of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD), commonly known as Shoo-Koo-Kai.

He identified tax reform as a priority, calling for simpler procedures, clearer interpretations and reduced discretionary practices, alongside faster services and reliable dispute resolution.

Sugawara highlighted poor coordination among government agencies, saying conflicting directives create delays and raise costs for investors.

He also urged a functional one-stop service with fully digital, streamlined and time-bound approvals, licensing and renewals.

Pointing to persistent visa and permit delays, he said such bottlenecks must be resolved quickly.

Hiroshi Uegaki, country representative of Mitsubishi Corporation, one of Japan’s corporate giants, called for foundational reforms to strengthen Bangladesh’s investment climate for Japanese firms.

He stressed improving data management, business efficiency and digitalisation aligned with international standards to reduce delays.

Uegaki highlighted the importance of economic partnership agreements (EPAs) to ease import-export processes and support smoother operations.

Policy consistency, he added, remains critical to ensure long-term investor confidence and signal a stable, business-friendly environment.

Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the EPA would ensure continued market access to Japan and strengthen investor confidence through a rules-based framework.

The Bangladesh-Japan EPA is being seen as critical to sustaining trade and investment as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, he said.

“Investors value predictability and long-term trust,” he noted, adding that reforms must align with EPA commitments to attract sustained Japanese investment.

Also speaking at the event, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the prime minister’s adviser on finance and planning, pointed out priorities to deepen Bangladesh-Japan economic ties and shift focus from aid to investment-led growth.

He said Bangladesh wants higher Japanese investment to match global averages, with a stronger emphasis on manufacturing to create sustainable jobs.

He also stressed the need for greater technology transfer through joint ventures, enabling long-term industrial capacity and competitiveness.

Titumir added that the government is committed to policy reforms, including deregulation, stronger market-based oversight, and improved contract enforcement to build investor confidence.

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), outlined a set of reforms aimed at attracting sustained foreign investment, particularly from Japanese firms.

He said improving the business climate would require making tax administration more transparent and efficient, reducing the burden of unpredictable enforcement. He also stressed the need for stronger coordination among government agencies to avoid conflicting directives that often delay operations.

Chowdhury called for a fully functional “one-stop service” to streamline licensing through digitalisation and ensure visa processing within a predictable timeframe. Policy consistency, he added, remains crucial for long-term corporate planning and boosting investor confidence.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida described the recently signed bilateral EPA as a landmark step, urging Bangladesh to view it through a long-term lens rather than immediate gains.

He said the deal offers legal certainty for investors and reinforces a rules-based trade environment at a time of global uncertainty.

Meanwhile, presenting the findings of a survey on business conditions of Japanese firms, Kazuiki Kataoka, country representative of Jetro, said Bangladesh is emerging as a promising frontier for Japanese businesses, with stronger profit expectations and growing interest in expansion.

He noted that 56.9 percent of Japanese firms in Bangladesh plan to expand operations, driven largely by the country’s rising domestic market.

He also pointed to administrative inefficiencies and policy uncertainty as major risks, stressing that improving these areas could unlock greater foreign investment.

Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear Limited, said Bangladesh should position itself as a manufacturing hub, exporting to Japan and integrating into global value chains.

Leveraging the EPA, he added, could deepen long-term partnerships and boost trade and services.

M Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh (PEB), said Bangladesh’s prospects under the proposed economic partnership with Japan remain promising, but some weaknesses could blunt its gains.

He said weak inter-agency collaboration, fragmented public-private dialogue, and limited private-sector linkages undermine policy execution and investment climate reforms.​