The agreement is intended to expand bilateral trade and investment, enhance investor confidence, and attract long-term Japanese investment in Bangladesh. It encompasses a wide range of sectors, including trade in goods and services, customs duties, investment, trade facilitation, and intellectual property rights. As an LDC, Bangladesh will sign an Economic Partnership Agreement for the first time with Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy, said a press release. Notably, Bangladesh's key export items-particularly readymade garments (RMG)-will gain duty-free access to Japan from day one. The proposal to sign the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (BJEPA) received approval from the Advisers Council at its meeting held today.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 22, 2026 16:01 UTC