BM Desk: Japanese investors were encouraged to investigate profitable prospects in the nation’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the BEPZA Economic Zone during a high-level investment conference held by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday.

The lecture came after Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently visited Japan, where he signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral collaboration in energy, technology, and investment, according to an official release.

About 125 people from prominent Japanese investment organizations and industrial groups attended the event, which was co-sponsored by Maruhisa Pacific Co Ltd, Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co Ltd, YKK Group, and Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in Japan.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Maj Gen Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman urged Japanese companies to increase their presence in Bangladesh during his keynote speech.
“Prosperity arises from partnerships and performance matches potential in Bangladesh,” he stated.
He emphasized Bangladesh’s advantageous location at the intersection of South and Southeast Asia, its easy access to regional and international markets, and its workforce’s youth, education, and trainability, which makes it one of Asia’s most affordable labor pools.
He also highlighted BEPZA’s simplified One Stop Service system, which provides tax holidays, duty-free import facilities, and legal protections for investors, as evidence of the government’s dedication to a business-friendly environment.

He went on to say, “This is a call for collaboration to create a future in line with global environmental aspirations, not merely an investment pitch.”
This view was mirrored by Bangladesh’s ambassador to Japan, Md. Daud Ali, who reaffirmed the government’s proactive measures to promote an environment that is favorable to investors.
He gave attendees his word that the embassy is ready to grant Japanese investors business and tourist visas in as little as an hour.

In order to improve business and investment connections, a number of participants—including both existing investors and Bangladeshis living abroad—urged the ambassador to open a direct air route between Dhaka and Narita [city in Japan].

The advantages of investing in Bangladesh’s EPZs were discussed by Yuji Ando, the former country director of JETRO Bangladesh. He acknowledged certain operational difficulties but expressed optimism that they would be resolved quickly.
Japanese investors Kano Tetsuro of Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co Ltd and Hiraishi Kiminobo of Maruhisa Pacific Co Ltd looked back on more than ten years of prosperous business activities in Adamjee EPZ.
They appreciated BEPZA’s efficient services and advised fellow Japanese entrepreneurs to consider investing in Bangladesh.

In his thorough presentation on “Investment Opportunities in EPZs and the BEPZA Economic Zone,” Md. Tanvir Hossain, executive director (Investment Promotion) at BEPZA, highlighted the organization’s infrastructure, investor services, and major accomplishments.
The BEPZA executive chairman, director, and executive director answered audience questions during an engaging Q&A session that wrapped up the conference.
Eight EPZs and one economic zone are being run by BEPZA, while two more are being developed in Patuakhali and Jashore.
Over 0.5 million people have been employed in BEPZA-run zones as a result of the $7.05 billion invested so far by 450 businesses from 38 countries.
In the most recent fiscal year, 30 percent of all foreign direct investment (FDI) and 17 percent of Bangladesh’s domestic exports came from EPZs. Notably, about 17,700 Bangladeshi laborers are employed by 29 Japanese enterprises that have spent over $621 million in these zones.