The Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) today welcomed the finalisation of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the two nations.

The JBCCI remains committed to supporting the implementation of the EPA, the trade body said in a statement.

Bangladesh and Japan yesterday finalised the principles of the EPA, which were announced through a joint declaration by the two countries.

The development marks a major step towards the conclusion of a comprehensive economic partnership between the two nations, the statement added.

The EPA aims to deepen trade, investment and services linkages and is expected to play a pivotal role as Bangladesh transitions from its least developed country (LDC) status in 2026.

The agreement in principle reflects alignment on the structure and key provisions of the EPA, with formal signing to follow upon completion of the necessary legal and cabinet‑level processes in both countries.

JBCCI said it actively supported the process by commissioning a policy study titled "Accelerating Japan‑Bangladesh EPA: Key Priorities and Strategies Ahead", conducting a perception survey among JBCCI and Shoo Koo Kai (JCIAD) members, and engaging with public and private stakeholders to present research‑based recommendations for the negotiations.

The chamber noted that issues raised by private‑sector stakeholders — including simplified rules of origin, increased market access for readymade garments, liberalisation of service sectors and regulatory cooperation — have been reflected in the structure of the EPA.

Highlights of the agreed framework include immediate duty‑free access for 7,379 Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market, immediate preferential access for 1,039 Japanese product categories in Bangladesh, and liberalisation of more than 100 service sub‑sectors.

JBCCI appreciated the efforts of the negotiation teams, including the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, BIDA and the Joint Study Group, and acknowledged the contributions of its members.

As the process enters its legal and ratification phase, JBCCI said it would continue to support implementation, capacity‑building and outreach to maximise the benefits of the agreement for both countries.