Staff Correspondent
The second round of negotiations for the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was
held in Dhaka Bangladesh (hybrid format) from November 10 to 14, 2024.
The meeting was attended by, on the Japanese side, Mr. KOBAYASHI Izuru, Deputy Director-General,
Economic Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from other relevant
ministries, and on the Bangladesh side, Ms. Ayesha Akther, Additional Secretary, Head of Foreign Trade
Wing, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, and representatives from other relevant ministries.
In this round of negotiations, both sides had a fruitful discussion on the way forward for future
negotiations and on negotiating areas such as Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and
Trade Facilitation, Investment and Intellectual Property.
Both sides decided to work on scheduling the dates of the third round of negotiations through
diplomatic channels.
Japanese Ambassador Iwama attended the opening session on the 12th and delivered remarks. Also on
the 13th, Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) held a launching event at the
Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh for the EPA Study Report compiled by JBCCI.
