The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) held the first meeting of its EPA/FTA Standing Committee yesterday at the JBCCI Office, focusing on the progress of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations between Bangladesh and Japan.
The discussion highlighted the outcomes of the sixth round of EPA negotiations, emphasizing the strategic importance of signing the agreement by late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline aligns with Bangladesh’s scheduled graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, which will lead to the phasing out of preferential trade benefits currently enjoyed by the country.
Committee members underlined the need for greater involvement of the private sector in the negotiation process to ensure that the final agreement addresses the needs and realities of businesses on both sides. JBCCI, actively engaged in the negotiation process since its inception, reiterated its commitment to supporting the agreement for the mutual benefit of both nations.
To contribute to informed decision-making, JBCCI previously commissioned Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Ltd., a leading think tank, to prepare a comprehensive “EPA Study Report.” The report was officially launched on November 13, 2024, at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, in the presence of key stakeholders and with the support of the Japanese Embassy.
The newly formed JBCCI Standing Committee, composed of board members and experts from member companies, aims to facilitate smooth and effective negotiations. The committee will continue to serve as a platform for consolidating private sector insights, policy recommendations, and strategic input into the EPA framework.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of JBCCI’s role as a bridge between public and private sectors, promoting stronger economic ties between Bangladesh and Japan in the post-LDC era.
