Press Releases
Agreement in Principle on the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement
December 22, 2025
On December 22, commencing at 16:00 (JST) and lasting for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser for Commerce, Textiles and Jute, and Civil Aviation and Tourism of the Interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. They confirmed that an agreement in principle was reached on the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI stated that he was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Advisor Bashir. He also touched upon the cooperative relationship under the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, acknowledging the important role that Bangladesh plays in regional development, and recalled his visit to Bangladesh in 2019 as Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization.
- They confirmed and welcomed the agreement in principle reached between the two countries with regard to the Japan-Bangladesh EPA, for which the launch of negotiations was decided in March 2024. They also concurred to continue cooperating towards the signing of this agreement.
- The conclusion of the EPA is expected to further strengthen economic relations, including the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.