Dhaka: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Country Representative, Kazuyuki Kataoka, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan. Senior Director of JETTO Dhaka Office, Sheikh Mohammad Shariful Alam was also present at the meeting. Potential areas of cooperation in bilateral trade and investment in the garment sector were discussed in the meeting. The meeting discussed the current status of the Bangladesh garment industry, the immense potential of the Japanese market for Bangladesh, the possible impact of the US counter-tariff on Bangladesh garment exports, etc, according to a press release.
Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury and Director Mohammad Sohel. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that BGMEA has emphasized on market diversification of the garment industry for strategic reasons and in this regard, Japan is a market with immense potential for Bangladesh. He said that although Bangladesh garment exports to Japan are currently over US$ 1 billion, its real potential is much higher and JETRO active support is very important for Bangladesh to utilize this potential. BGMEA President requested JETRO Country Representative, Kazuki Kataoka, to take a proactive role in this regard. Both sides also discussed the ongoing negotiations on the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). BGMEA President emphasized on the inclusion of Single Stage Rules of Origin in the agreement, which will make the export process easier and more affordable.
The BGMEA President emphasized on organizing match-making sessions and exchange visits between garment traders of Bangladesh and Japan.
The meeting also discussed the need to conclude bilateral, multilateral agreements with different countries to address the impact of Bangladesh's LDC graduation. JETRO Country Representative, Kazuki Kataoka said that Japan is one of the largest investment partners of Bangladesh and many Japanese companies are interested in expanding their business in Bangladesh. However, for this, it is necessary to increase port management, logistics development, and connectivity with neighboring countries.
It is worth noting that JETRO encourages Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh and works to promote Japanese products and technologies. At the same time, they help Bangladeshi products and services enter the Japanese market. JETRO is working closely with the Bangladesh government, various trade organizations and other stakeholders to develop bilateral relations.
