Kazuiki Kataoka, Country Representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), paid a courtesy visit to Mahmud Hasan Khan, President BGMEA, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on July 30.

From BGMEA, Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, and Director Mohammad Sohel joined the discussions. Sheikh Mohammad Shariful Alam, Senior Director of JETRO Dhaka Office, was also present during the meeting. 

During the meeting, President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted that while Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Japan currently exceed USD 1 billion, the market holds significantly greater potential. He emphasized the important role of JETRO’s active engagement in expanding this opportunity and requested Kazuiki Kataoka to take a proactive approach in this regard.

Discussions also covered the ongoing negotiations on the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The BGMEA President stressed the need for incorporating a Single Stage Rules of Origin under the agreement, which he said would make the export process simpler and more cost-effective for Bangladeshi exporters.

He also underscored the importance of organizing match-making sessions and exchange visits between apparel businesses of both countries to foster deeper collaboration.

Kazuiki Kataoka reaffirmed Japan’s position as one of Bangladesh’s key investment partners, noting that many Japanese companies are keen to expand their operations in the country. He pointed out that improvements in port infrastructure, logistics, and regional connectivity are essential to facilitate this growth.