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Bangladesh and Japan are likely to move towards the final stage of negotiation for the economic partnership agreement (EPA), as the third joint study group will sit soon in this connection.
This was disclosed during a networking programme of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at a city hotel on Sunday. JBCCI organised the seminar with the support of AB Bank Ltd.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori attended the programme as the chief guest, where JBCCI President Myungho Lee and Executive Director Mohammad Emran, and AB Bank Chairman Khairul Alam Chowdhury addressed, among others. Asian Tiger Capital Partners Chairman Ifty Islam presented the keynote paper.
The Japanese ambassador stressed the need for networking in bilateral trade relations, and said Japan is determined to work with Bangladesh even more closely to take the bilateral relations to a new height.
He expressed sincere wishes for prosperity of the two countries and further deepening of relationship between the people of Japan and Bangladesh.
The JBCCI president focused on its activities to accelerate bilateral ties between the friendly nations, and said the third joint study group meeting would hopefully take the EPA negotiation to the final stage.
"We all know that the EPA enforcement will be effective before November 2026, when Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status and its GSP facilities will be withdrawn," he added.
Myungho Lee, country representative of Mitsubishi Corporation and general manager of its Dhaka Branch, said from the private sector's point of view, three bilateral treatments are needed to promote further investment.
The keynote speaker focused on Bangladesh's current economic relations with Japan, Big B, infrastructure development, Japan's demographic challenge and globalisation, techno nationalism, and new opportunities for Japan and Bangladesh. He also shared a case study, showing new opportunities in medical sector through automation.
The JBCCI past presidents, secretary general, honorary members, current board members, and distinguished guests were also present on the occasion.
smunima@yahoo.com