The signing of the Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on 6 February 2026 marks a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s trade diplomacy, opening new opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade—particularly in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, which dominates Bangladesh’s exports to Japan.

In FY2024–25, Bangladesh exported USD 1,185 million worth of garments to Japan, while Japan’s total global apparel imports stood at approximately USD 25 billion. 

As the world’s second-largest garment importing country after the United States when considered as a single market, Japan presents significant growth potential for Bangladesh’s apparel sector.

Against this backdrop, a delegation from BGMEA held an important meeting today with officials from the Embassy of Japan to discuss ways to effectively leverage the EPA to expand bilateral trade, with a special focus on boosting Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the Japanese market.

The BGMEA delegation included Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Nafis Ud Doula, Standing Committee Chairman on Trade Fair and Events M. Sajedul Karim, Standing Committee Chairman on Japan Market Development Salman Sunny, and President of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tareq Bhuiyan Jun.

During the meeting, the both sides exchanged trade insights and discussed avenues to further expand Bangladesh’s garment exports to Japan. 

The BGMEA delegation also sought the Embassy’s support in strengthening trade communication between business communities in Bangladesh and Japan, particularly stakeholders in the apparel industry.

The leaders emphasized that greater participation of Bangladeshi exporters in apparel exhibitions in Japan would allow them to showcase their strengths and capabilities, while enabling Japanese buyers and investors to explore sourcing and investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

BGMEA representatives also requested the Embassy’s support in simplifying visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspersons traveling to Japan to facilitate stronger business engagement.

Representing the Embassy of Japan were Naoki Takahashi, Minister (Deputy Chief of Mission); Mochida Yutaro, Head of Economic Affairs Section; and Fujimoto Saori, Economic Affairs Section.