DHAKA, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has welcomed the National Budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a balanced fiscal plan that demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening fiscal discipline, curbing inflation and creating a more investment-friendly environment.

In a statement issued today, JBCCI congratulated the government on the budget presentation and praised its focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth through investments in education, healthcare, social protection and employment generation.

The chamber said these priorities would help improve living standards while developing a productive and skilled workforce capable of supporting Bangladesh's transition to a higher-value economy.

JBCCI appreciated the government's recognition of the private sector as a key driver of economic growth, noting that measures aimed at improving the business climate, promoting industrial diversification, boosting exports and attracting foreign direct investment send a positive signal to international investors.

The chamber also welcomed initiatives to digitalise tax and customs administration, including automation of VAT registration, expansion of online compliance systems, recognition of ERP-based documentation and the introduction of more structured audit procedures.

According to JBCCI, these reforms have the potential to enhance transparency, reduce administrative burdens and improve predictability for businesses, in line with international best practices.

The statement further praised reforms related to customs modernisation, bonded warehouse operations, logistics development and the establishment of Free Trade Zones, saying efficient customs procedures and modern logistics infrastructure are key considerations for Japanese manufacturers and global supply chain operators when selecting investment destinations.

JBCCI also welcomed incentives for emerging industries such as electric vehicles, battery technologies, semiconductors, advanced electronics and medical devices, saying these initiatives could attract high-quality investments, facilitate technology transfer and generate skilled employment opportunities.

The chamber noted that the budget comes at an important juncture in Bangladesh-Japan economic relations, as both countries move toward implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

It said the EPA, coupled with continued domestic reforms, could significantly deepen bilateral trade and investment and strengthen Bangladesh's integration into global supply chains.

However, JBCCI stressed that effective implementation would be critical to achieving the budget's objectives. It called for timely issuance of implementing rules, clear operational guidelines and consistent interpretation by field-level authorities to maintain investor confidence.

The chamber also underscored the importance of regulatory stability and policy predictability, particularly for Japanese companies that make long-term investment decisions.

JBCCI urged the government to ensure reliable digital infrastructure and technical support alongside the ongoing digitalisation of tax and customs services, warning that technical system failures should not create additional compliance burdens for businesses.

The organisation further highlighted the need to reduce the overall cost of doing business by addressing challenges related to logistics, financing, energy costs, procedural delays and administrative complexity.

It also called for continued investment in ports, airports, multimodal transport systems, bonded warehouse facilities and customs operations to enhance export competitiveness and attract global manufacturers.

Emphasising the importance of human capital development, JBCCI recommended stronger collaboration among industry, universities and technical institutions to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the demands of advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, automation and green industries.

The chamber concluded by stressing the importance of continuous public-private dialogue, saying regular consultations between the government, the National Board of Revenue, chambers of commerce and industry associations would help identify and resolve practical challenges efficiently during budget implementation.