Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) - The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & 
Industry (JBCCI) successfully held its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
yesterday at a city hotel.

The event brought together around 170 participants, including general 
members, board members, and distinguished guests from various organizations. 

The program was moderated by Rabiul Alam, Director, JBCCI and delivered his 
introductory speech before the participants, said a press release today.

SAIDA SHINICHI, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh graced the program as the 
Chief Guest. 

During his speech, he conveyed his heartiest congratulation to JBCCI for 
their continuous activities to promote bilateral trade relations and 
continuous dedication to advancing economic partnership between Japan and 
Bangladesh.

He expressed sincere appreciation to the Interim Government and people of 
Bangladesh to open a new chapter in this democratic journey.

"As a faithful development partner of Bangladesh, Japan will support as 
always," SHINICHI added.

He also mentioned that so many projects are ongoing in Bangladesh with 
Japanese support. 

Emphasizing that these impartial and interconnected projects will continue to 
move forward even during Bangladesh's current transitional phase. "Japan is 
determined to staying at the center of Bangladesh's development journey,"

He praised JBCCI as a unique bilateral institution jointly composed of 
companies of both nations, expected to foster the further wide and deepen 
both nation's economic cooperation. 

He added that both nations can help each other to bridge the gaps, that may 
be coming up from cultural and business opportunity purpose.

He concluded by wishing all the best to the participants for a fruitful 
exchanging at the AGM.

JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) delivered his welcoming remarks and 
illustrated JBCCI's role play in recent times for developing bilateral trade 
relations between Japan and Bangladesh further. 

He emphasized the long-standing friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, 
highlighting JBCCI's 20-year journey in strengthening trade, investment, and 
cooperation. 

He expressed gratitude to partners such as the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, JICA, 
and other stakeholders for their continued support. 

He mentioned that JBCCI's one of the key focuses this year has been the 
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), now under negotiation. Once finalized, 
this EPA will establish an upgraded framework for trade, investment, and 
economic cooperation. 

Maria Howlader, Secretary General, JBCCI described the major activities of 
JBCCI undertaken during October 2024 to November 2025. 

She stated that currently JBCCI consist of 369 Member companies including 
Japanese and multinational companies. Continuous growth of Membership 
engagement in JBCCI shows the bilateral trade relations are strengthening 
further. 

Kenji Kimura, Treasurer, JBCCI presented the audited Annual Financial Report 
and highlighted key points from the report.

The participants appreciated JBCCI for arranging seminar, round table 
discussion, networking, meeting with government & other organizations on 
different issues being implemented during October 2024 to November 2025. 
Officials of the Embassy of Japan also participated in it.

The meeting concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Md Anwar Shahid, 
Vice President, JBCCI, who expressed gratitude to all guests and members for 
their participation and contributions to the AGM.