Desk Report:
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Country Representative Kazuki Kataoka met Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Thursday (April 02, 2026) at his office in the ministry.
The meeting discussed in detail various aspects of increasing mutual economic cooperation, including trade and investment expansion.
In the meeting, the Commerce Minister highlighted the prospects and opportunities for increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh and sought Japan’s cooperation in special economic zones, infrastructure development, industrialization and export diversification. He said that Bangladesh’s stable economic growth, skilled manpower and investment-friendly policies have created a favorable environment for foreign investors.
Khandaker Muktadir said that the Japan-Bangladesh EPA agreement is a milestone to boost bilateral trade and investment. It will serve as a reference in other countries’ EPA negotiations with Bangladesh.
JETRO Country Representative Kazuki Kataoka said that the investment climate has improved after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) took over the country in the elections. Stating that the signing of Japan’s EPA agreement with Bangladesh will play an important role in further increasing trade prospects, he said that many Japanese investors have already shown interest in investing in this country. He also mentioned that Japanese investment will help create employment and develop infrastructure in this country.
Stating that Japanese investors have invested in facilities such as the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the metro rail, he said that JETRO’s cooperation will continue to strengthen commercial relations between the two countries. At the same time, he assured that JETRO will play a role in promoting Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market.
In the meeting, both sides expressed their determination to work jointly to further advance the existing strong economic relations between Bangladesh and Japan.
