Bangladesh initiates talks with Japan to sign EPA

The government has started negotiation for signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan to retain the duty benefit after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation to a developing nation in 2026.

State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu on Tuesday formally announced the launch of the negotiation at a press conference at his ministry office in Dhaka city.

In his speech, Titu said the signing of the EPA with Japan will smoothen Bangladesh's LDC transition process.

He expressed hope that mutual trade and investment between the two countries will increase through the EPA.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh IWAMA Kiminori and Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh also spoke on the occasion.

Tapan Kanti Ghosh said Bangladesh will face more than 18 per cent duty on the export of goods after 2026 if the EPA is not signed.