Japan has urged Bangladesh to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement this year and to make business rules easier so more Japanese firms will invest, government and business leaders said. This call came after a public-private dialogue where Japanese officials pointed out practical problems that slow investment, such as unclear incentives in economic zones, long waits for visas and work permits, banking rules that do not match global practice, and a shortage of trained workers and reliable infrastructure. Bangladesh’s team responded by saying it will move quickly to fix these problems and to finish legal steps so the EPA can be signed soon, while promising to improve visa processes, speed up customs and make tax rules more predictable. Officials said the two sides finished the latest round of talks and exchanged detailed schedules for tariffs and services, and that both sides found the offers to be in line with each other. Japan’s business community told Bangladeshi officials that signing the EPA is important to protect trade ties after Bangladesh moves out of a special duty-free status, and that the deal would help companies keep access to Japan without sudden costs. Leaders from Japan’s trade and aid agencies also urged clear policies to keep incentives steady so companies can plan long term. Representatives from Japan’s aid agency said that Bangladesh’s share of foreign investment is low and that more work on rules, skills and basic services would help raise investment. Bangladesh officials highlighted several steps already under way, including a new customs bond system and an online single window to make clearance faster and more transparent. They also suggested training centres that would teach technical skills and the Japanese language to help workers and to support companies that want to expand here. Both sides agreed to keep talking through a formal economic dialogue that brings government and business people together, and Japan said it will continue to help with training and planning as Bangladesh improves its systems. Business leaders from both countries showed interest in areas like light manufacturing, chemicals, and food processing, noting that factories and local markets can grow if rules are steady and basic services improve. Officials spoke in a cooperative tone and underlined that quick, practical changes can make a big difference for firms weighing new projects. The message was hopeful: with steady rules, faster paperwork and more skills training, Bangladesh could make it easier for Japanese companies to invest, and both countries could gain from stronger trade and jobs. Officials said follow-up work will focus on the practical steps needed to put promises into action and to make sure the signing and future investment bring real benefits for workers and local communities and support small local businesses.
