Bangladesh has taken a major step toward strengthening its trade relationship with Japan after the Council of Advisers approved the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone for bilateral commerce.
Under the agreement, Bangladesh will receive immediate duty-free access to the Japanese market for 7,379 products, significantly boosting export potential in sectors such as textiles, garments, and industrial goods. In exchange, Japan will gain duty-free access to 1,039 Bangladeshi products, reflecting growing commercial cooperation between the two nations.
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A key feature of the EPA is the “Single Stage Transformation” facility, which simplifies rules of origin for garment exporters. This will enable more Bangladeshi apparel products to qualify for duty-free access to Japan, strengthening the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s garment industry in one of Asia’s largest consumer markets.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam called the proposed agreement a historic achievement for Bangladesh–Japan economic relations while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. He said the deal underscores strategic collaboration and mutual economic interests between the two countries.
Trade analysts say the Bangladesh–Japan EPA is poised to enhance Bangladesh’s global trade profile, attract investment, and support long-term economic integration. Once implemented, the agreement is expected to set a new benchmark for bilateral trade, supporting supply chain resilience and sustainable growth for both nations.
