Let Bangladesh, Japan EPA ink as a historic trade diplomacy
Japan is Bangladesh’s most trusted friend and the largest development partner of any single country.
That country has once again demonstrated genuine friendship with Bangladesh by formally signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
According to experts, this agreement will be a landmark milestone in the relations between the two countries.
This is the first full economic accord with a developed country in Bangladesh’s history, which will open new possibilities in trade, investment, and employment.
Trade and Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII Iwao inked the accord on behalf of their respective countries in Tokyo on Friday.
Under this deal, tariffs on all apparel items will be fully removed from the day it takes effect. It effectively safeguards duty-free access.
Without the EPA, Bangladeshi exports would have faced general tariffs ranging from 8 to15 per cent for knitwear and more than 10 to 15 per cent for woven products.
Sk. Bashir said, “This EPA is not just a trade document; it is a reflection of the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between our two countries.
Effective implementation of the agreement will be a bright economic opportunity for Bangladesh.”
The EPA will serve as a guide for the future and start a new chapter of mutual prosperity between the two countries.
Under the agreement, 7,379 Bangladeshi products will receive 100 per cent duty-free access to the Japanese market.
In contrast, 1,039 Japanese products will be given preferential treatment or duty exemption in phases in Bangladesh.
Besides, 120 services in 16 sectors, including IT, engineering, education, care giving, nursing, and job opportunities, will be created for Bangladeshi professionals. Bangladesh has also agreed to open 98 sub-sectors in 12 departments to Japan.
Experts believe that this agreement will help increase trade, Japanese direct investment in manufacturing and logistics sectors, advanced technology, and the development of skilled human resources.
This will make Bangladeshi products more competitive in the global market. It will also ensure the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the creation of a skilled workforce, and inclusive economic growth.
Mentionable that the EPA agreement, finalized in just four years, is seen as a significant breakthrough in international trade negotiations.
The process began with a Joint Study Group to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022.
Formal negotiations began in March 2024 and after seven rounds of negotiations, the draft was finalized in September 2025.
We hope that Bangladesh’s relations with Japan will continue to advance and that both countries will benefit from mutual cooperation.