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The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) hosted a high-level investment seminar in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, urging Japanese investors to explore lucrative opportunities in the country's Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the BEPZA Economic Zone.
The seminar followed the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan, during which several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance bilateral cooperation in investment, energy, and technology, according to an official statement.
Jointly supported by Maruhisa Pacific Co Ltd, Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co Ltd, YKK Group, and Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in Japan, the event attracted around 125 participants from leading Japanese investment organisations and industrial groups.
In his keynote address, BEPZA Executive Chairman Maj Gen Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman called on Japanese businesses to expand their footprints in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh is where potential meets performance and partnerships lead to prosperity," he said.
Highlighting Bangladesh's strategic location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, he noted the country's seamless access to regional and global markets, as well as its young, educated, and trainable workforce -- one of the most cost-effective labour pools in Asia.
He also emphasised the government's commitment to a business-friendly ecosystem, pointing to BEPZA's streamlined One Stop Service system, which offers tax holidays, duty-free import facilities, and legal protections for investors.
"This is not just an investment pitch -- it's a call for partnership to build a future aligned with global sustainability goals," he added.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the government's proactive efforts to foster an investor-friendly climate.
He assured participants that the embassy is prepared to issue business and tourism visas to Japanese investors within an hour.
Several participants, including current investors and non-resident Bangladeshis, urged the ambassador to initiate a direct air route between Dhaka and Narita [city in Japan] to further strengthen investment and business connectivity.
Yuji Ando, former country director of JETRO Bangladesh, shared his insights on the benefits of investing in Bangladesh's EPZs, acknowledging some operational challenges but expressing confidence that they will be addressed soon.
Japanese investors Hiraishi Kiminobo of Maruhisa Pacific Co Ltd and Kano Tetsuro of Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co Ltd reflected on over a decade of successful operations in Adamjee EPZ.
They praised BEPZA's efficient services and encouraged fellow Japanese entrepreneurs to consider investing in Bangladesh.
Md Tanvir Hossain, executive director (Investment Promotion) at BEPZA, delivered a detailed presentation on "Investment Opportunities in EPZs and the BEPZA Economic Zone," showcasing BEPZA's infrastructure, investor services, and key achievements.
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where the BEPZA executive chairman, , director and executive director addressed queries from the audience.
BEPZA currently operates eight EPZs and one economic zone, with two additional EPZs under development in Jashore and Patuakhali.
To date, 450 enterprises from 38 countries have invested $7.05 billion in BEPZA-run zones, creating employment for over 0.5 million workers.
In the last fiscal year, EPZs accounted for 17 per cent of Bangladesh's national exports and 30 per cent of total foreign direct investment (FDI). Notably, 29 Japanese companies have invested over $621 million in these zones, employing more than 17,700 Bangladeshi workers.
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