BD-Japan Economic Ties Strengthened at Exchange Session

Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), hosted an exchange session titled ‘Forging a Shared Future’ at The Westin Dhaka, bringing together key Japanese stakeholders to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving regulatory frameworks, trade progress, and investment opportunities.

The event provided a platform to explore crucial developments such as Bangladesh Bank's new guidelines on Joint Venture/Consortium/Association (JVCA), Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) collaboration plans, progress on the bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and challenges faced by Japanese investors in Bangladesh.

Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, emphasized the significance of the 53-year economic partnership between Japan and Bangladesh. He noted how Japanese businesses and aid have transformed key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and education, and stressed the importance of advocating for policies that enhance the business environment and unlock new opportunities.

Dr. Khandoker Azizul Islam, Executive Member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to facilitate more Japanese investment through policy reforms and the creation of a business-friendly ecosystem.

Tomohide Ichiguchi, Chief Representative of JICA, shared insights into JICA's recent focus on industrial diversification and private sector development. These efforts include improvements in investment climate, human resource development in ICT and manufacturing, and projects like the Moheshkhali development and Private Sector Investment Finance (PSIF).

Yuji Ando, Country Representative of JETRO, praised Bangladesh Bank and BIDA's recent circular, which streamlines the process of NVCA formation and operational procedures. However, he called for further clarification and flexibility on aspects such as interest-free working capital loans and outward remittances.

Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President of JBCCI, emphasized the importance of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) for Bangladesh, especially as the country prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

The session included an interactive Q&A moderated by Faysal Islam, Head of Global Subsidiaries at Standard Chartered Bangladesh. Panelists, including Nahian Rahman Rochi from BIDA, Md. Ariful Hoque from BIDA, Afsana Rahman from Bangladesh Bank, and Nusrat Mehzabin from Bangladesh Bank, engaged with the audience to address regulatory concerns and investment queries.

Concluding the session, Enamul Huque, Head of Corporate Coverage at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, thanked the participants and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to fostering Japanese investment and strengthening bilateral economic ties.