DHAKA, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS) – President of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association In Dhaka(JCIAD) Manabu Sugawara today welcomed the finalization of draft of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan.
 
“I welcome the broad agreement reached between the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on an EPA during today's telephone consultation,” he said through a press release.
 
He mentioned that through discussions at the feasibility study on a Japan-Bangladesh EPA implemented 2023 and the subsequent report of the joint study group on the possibility of EPA summarizing its findings, both governments confirmed the benefits of concluding an EPA and commenced negotiations in March 2024.
 
“I am delighted that, following a total of seven round negotiations, the two governments have now reached this broad agreement,” he added.
 
JCIAD established in 1972 has walked alongside Bangladesh since its independence, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties and friendly relations between the two countries.
 
 As Bangladesh is preparing for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, this EPA is expected to contribute to maintaining and expanding market access for both countries.
 
JCIAD intends to promote the utilization of the EPA through information dissemination and other means as soon as its details are clarified, and to continue playing a part in strengthening economic relations between the two countries.