JBCCI Calls for Faster EPA Implementation, Investor-Friendly Reforms During Courtesy Meeting with Commerce Minister

Photo: CNI

Staff Correspondent: The Board of Directors of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) held a courtesy meeting with Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce, on Sunday, emphasizing the need for swift implementation of the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and reforms to improve the country's investment climate. 

The JBCCI delegation, led by its President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan. The chamber underscored the historic significance of the EPA signed on February 6, 2026, in Tokyo and proposed active participation in initiatives aimed at accelerating its implementation. 

During the meeting, JBCCI highlighted several challenges faced by Japanese investors in Bangladesh, including complex visa and work permit procedures, security clearance requirements, financial regulations, and policy inconsistencies. The chamber also requested authorization to issue Certificates of Origin for eligible member exporters, particularly those operating in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), Export Processing Zones (EPZs), and other economic zones.

Addressing the meeting, Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan reaffirmed JBCCI’s commitment to promoting trade and investment, encouraging joint ventures, exploring new business opportunities, and supporting policy advocacy through public-private dialogue. He emphasized the importance of effective EPA implementation and expressed the chamber’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce through awareness programs, seminars, SME support initiatives, and regular consultation mechanisms. 

JBCCI Secretary General Maria Howlader described the Bangladesh–Japan EPA as a long-term strategic framework that could significantly boost bilateral investment and industrial growth. She urged the Ministry to provide businesses with detailed information on products eligible for duty-free access under the agreement and requested JBCCI’s inclusion in EPA implementation discussions and committees. 

Former JBCCI President Abdul Haque called for a more investor-friendly business environment and proposed establishing a professional single-window investment facilitation agency. Meanwhile, JBCCI Director Manabu Sugawara stressed the importance of early ratification of the EPA, while Vice President Hiroaki Oura highlighted the need for stable policies, improved financial regulations, and simplified investment procedures to attract more Japanese investment. 

Representatives from Japanese businesses also raised concerns regarding visa procedures, modernization of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), import-export settlement regulations, and overseas borrowing processes. They urged the government to simplify procedures and create a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment. 

Responding to the issues raised, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir expressed a positive outlook and informed the delegation that revisions to the visa issuance process are currently under Cabinet consideration. He invited JBCCI to submit written recommendations and highlighted ongoing government efforts to streamline business procedures, reduce licensing and clearance timelines, and strengthen one-stop services through Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

The Minister also assured that the Ministry would carefully review JBCCI’s proposal regarding Certificates of Origin and develop a roadmap for effective EPA implementation. He further announced plans to form an implementation committee that would include JBCCI representatives and acknowledged the need for reforms related to financial regulations, policy predictability, RJSC modernization, digitization of trade-related services, and foreign currency financing. 

The meeting concluded with JBCCI reaffirming its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Commerce and other government agencies to create a more competitive, predictable, and investment-friendly business environment, further strengthening the longstanding economic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan.