Diplomatic Correspondent

Japan and Bangladesh have announced plans to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) within the next few months to deepen their economic and trade ties.

The announcement came on Friday following a bilateral meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Tokyo, according to state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Their talks encompassed the entire gamut of the relationships between the two friendly countries, with both leaders reaffirming their abiding commitment to strategic partnership.

Describing Bangladesh as “a long-standing friend”, Ishiba pledged Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition efforts.

He also paid tribute to Yunus, saying Bangladesh will usher in a new era under his leadership.

Ishiba also highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

He confirmed that Japan will conclude the EPA with Bangladesh by the end of this year to boost trade and investment.

Yunus thanked Ishiba, noting that Bangladesh’s economy had “shattered”, the treasury had “emptied”, and institutions had been “destroyed”, yet Japan had shown “unwavering support” over the past 10 months.

"We thank Japan for supporting the interim government and its reform initiatives. We seek Japan's active support and cooperation in our endeavour," he said.

The interim prime minister reiterated Bangladesh's firm commitment to a vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific for the shared prosperity of all.

He said: "Bangladesh is ready to forge partnership and cooperation with Japan to ensure maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation, sustainable use and management of marine resources, promote enhanced connectivity, and combat transnational organised crimes in the Indo-Pacific.”

Yunus noted significant progress in recent high-level visits and in EPA negotiations. "In pursuing our bilateral relations, we look forward to sustained engagements with Japan.”

He sought Japanese support on several economic fronts, including:

• Construction of a land-based LNG terminal in Matarbari

• An import-reliant LPG terminal in Moheshkhali

• Duty- and quota-free market access for Bangladeshi goods for three years following LDC graduation in 2026

Yunus also urged Japan to offer soft loans for:

• Upgrading the Dhaka–Chattogram National Highway into a six-lane expressway

• Developing the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway

• Building a new four-lane bridge over the Meghna-Gomti River

Calling for Japanese investment, the chief advisor encouraged companies to enter sectors such as automobiles, electric vehicles, light engineering, high-tech electronics, and solar energy.

He also requested the launch of a Bangladesh–Japan Skilled Labour Partnership Programme to address Japan’s labour shortages while expanding overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.

In addition, Yunus sought expanded educational opportunities in Japan for Bangladeshi students and vocational trainers.

The Japanese prime minister said Tokyo would provide assistance to Bangladesh to help overcome its challenges and the interim government's efforts to create “a prosperous and democratic New Bangladesh”.

The two leaders also discussed regional geopolitics. Yunus said his government aimed to foster “the best relationships” with all neighbours, the BBS said.

Yunus called on Japan to step up efforts toward a durable resolution of the Rohingya crisis.

Ishiba recalled his visit to Bangladesh some 38 years ago when the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, built with Japanese assistance, was inaugurated.He also praised the efforts of Yunus and his pioneering micro-lender, Grameen Bank, to combat poverty across the globe.