The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) successfully organized a roundtable discussion titled “Export Potentialities under Bangladesh–Japan EPA: Challenges and Way Forward” at its conference room in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka.
The session brought together key stakeholders from government, trade bodies, academia, and private sector associations to deliberate on opportunities and challenges arising from the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
In his keynote presentation, Mr. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (JUN), President of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), highlighted the salient features of the Bangladesh–Japan EPA and emphasized its potential to enhance Bangladesh’s export competitiveness in the Japanese market. He underscored the importance of preparedness, compliance, and strategic engagement to fully leverage the agreement.
Mr. Hajime Suzuki, Executive Officer of RX Japan Ltd., presented on current trends in the Japanese market and highlighted upcoming trade exhibitions in Tokyo. He encouraged Bangladeshi exporters to actively participate in international trade fairs to expand market reach and build global networks.
The roundtable discussion, moderated by Mr. Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of EPB, featured active participation from representatives of the Embassy of Japan, University of Dhaka, FBCCI, DCCI, MCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, and other leading trade and industry associations. Significant potential sectors such as textiles, ICT and digital services, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, logistics, renewable energy, green technologies, and service sectors including caregiving, nursing, and fintech, were highlighted as key drivers for enhancing bilateral trade and increasing investment.
Participants emphasized that the EPA alone would not automatically increase bilateral trade unless accompanied by strong domestic capacity-building initiatives. It was stressed that Bangladesh must enhance the capacity of sector players, undertake targeted programs to diversify the export basket, and sensitize businesses on rules of origin, export potentialities, and emerging investment opportunities. Participants also highlighted the need for strategic investment and policy support to develop these sectors in line with Japanese market demand.
The discussion further underscored several challenges that need to be addressed to fully reap the benefits of the EPA. These include limited administrative and institutional capacity, compliance issues related to rules of origin and international standards, infrastructure gaps, and sectoral adjustment pressures. Participants emphasized that coordinated policy actions and public-private collaboration would be essential to overcome these constraints.
The session concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure effective utilization of the Bangladesh–Japan EPA for sustainable export growth. The event ended with a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions.
