Japan to form working group for road map for EPA with Bangladesh

Kiminori urged Bangladesh to take similar steps to accelerate the pace of signing an EPA.

A joint study group is ready to discuss related issues with the Japanese side, with a focus on improving mutual trade benefits by 2026, Munshi responded. Relevant work is under way as Japan has already shown immense interest in signing a preferential trade agreement (PTA) or a free trade agreement (FTA).

Reciprocal visits by trade and business delegates would further ease decision-making procedures, the minister was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi media reports.

Bangladesh expects Japan to play a major role after the LDC graduation with more investments and relaxed trade regulations. Japan has already pledged investments in the 100 special economic zones under development, and hopefully would commit more, Munshi said.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)