The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is pleased to announce the formation of the Market Strategy Development with Japan Committee—a dedicated body tasked with developing a structured, long-term strategy to enhance Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports to Japan.
This initiative is part of BGMEA’s effort to diversify export markets beyond traditional destinations, with a particular focus on high-potential markets such as Japan.
The recent signing of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has further opened new avenues for growth and strengthened bilateral trade prospects.
Japan’s annual apparel import market is valued at approximately USD 24.28 billion. At present, Bangladesh accounts for only 5.63% of this market—equivalent to around USD 1.37 billion. The newly formed committee aims to significantly improve this share through targeted strategies and coordinated engagement.
The committee held its first meeting yesterday at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka, where members discussed key initiatives to facilitate trade between Bangladesh and Japan, with a focus on garment exports.
A major outcome of the meeting was the unanimous recommendation to establish a dedicated Japan Desk within BGMEA. This desk will serve as a central support hub, offering:
• Market research and buyer identification for member factories
• Coordination with organizations such as JETRO, JICA, JBCCI, JCIAD, and other Japanese associations
• Grievance resolution and arbitration support for disputes involving Japanese companies
The committee will also play a vital role in strengthening connections between the business communities of Bangladesh and Japan by facilitating participation in trade fairs and business exchanges.
Through this initiative, BGMEA will extend formal institutional support to Japanese companies encountering operational or business challenges with local partner factories in Bangladesh, fostering a more conducive and collaborative business environment.
The committee is headed by BGMEA Vice President (Finance), Mijanur Rahman, with BGMEA Director Mohammed Sohel serving as Coordinator.
Advisors to the committee include BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan Jun, and Kazi Sarwar Habib, Managing Director of Furushima (BD).
Committee members include BGMEA Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, and Nafis Ud Doula.
