Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has expressed optimism about the early signing of the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, saying it will create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed in the capital’s DCCI Gulshan Center today (16 September).
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed highlighted Japan’s significant role in Bangladesh’s economic growth, particularly in infrastructure development, trade, and investment.
He said bilateral trade between the two countries reached $3.12 billion in FY2023-24, with Bangladesh exporting $1.31 billion and importing $1.81 billion. Japan is Bangladesh’s 12th largest export destination, 9th largest import source, and 11th largest FDI contributor.
He also noted that Japanese investors have so far invested $507.14 million in sectors such as fertiliser, construction, textiles, power, gas, and petroleum.
Taskeen called on Japanese businesses to take advantage of Bangladesh’s investment facilities and extend cooperation in automobiles, machinery, ICT, agro-processing, logistics, jute, footwear, and skilled manpower development.
He urged Japanese support for Bangladesh’s SME sector to help it reach global markets.
Ambassador Saida Shinichi said Bangladesh holds huge potential for business and investment, but emphasised the need for diversification of industries and improvements in efficiency and accountability in public services.
He noted that the domestic market is expanding steadily, making Bangladesh an attractive destination for Japanese entrepreneurs. Shinichi also highlighted opportunities for Bangladeshi IT professionals to collaborate with Japan’s advanced technology sector.
The envoy informed that the 7th meeting on the EPA was recently held in Tokyo, where both sides expressed hope that the agreement would be signed soon. “The deal would open a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.”
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury and Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman were also present at the meeting.