B Mirror Report : Bangladesh is set to sign the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (BJEPA) with one of its largest trading partners, aiming to strengthen bilateral economic ties and enhance long-term investment.

The agreement will secure duty-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Japanese market even after Bangladesh graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. It is expected to expand trade and investment, increase investor confidence, and attract sustained Japanese investment across multiple sectors, including trade in goods and services, customs duties, investment, trade facilitation, and intellectual property rights.

This will be Bangladesh’s first Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. A Joint Study Group (JSG) formed by both countries published its report on December 27, 2023, recommending a negotiation framework covering 17 sectors. Formal negotiations began after a joint announcement on March 12, 2024, and the interim government prioritized completion of the agreement within a year.

The negotiation process involved seven rounds of discussions, multiple stakeholder consultations, and active leadership from Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin and the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi, who chaired inter-ministerial meetings and held high-level talks in Japan.

Upon signing, 7,379 Bangladeshi products will gain immediate duty-free access to Japan, while 1,039 Japanese products will enter Bangladesh duty-free. Key Bangladeshi exports, particularly readymade garments (RMG), will benefit from duty-free access and the Single Stage Transformation facility.

In services, Bangladesh will open 97 sub-sectors for Japanese firms, and Japan will open 120 sub-sectors for Bangladeshi investors, facilitating technology transfer and boosting investment flows.

The BJEPA is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, including increased trade, employment, and stronger bilateral relations. Japan plans to formally sign the agreement on February 6, 2026.

The proposal received approval from the Advisers Council in a meeting held today, with all members congratulating the Commerce Adviser, the Secretary, and officials involved in concluding the negotiations successfully.