The Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum was held in Tokyo, where Prime Minister Rahman delivered a keynote address. Expectations for tariff elimination following the entry into force of the EPA and increased investment were discussed, and specific proposals for multifaceted cooperation were presented.
On 28 October 2026, JETRO co-hosted the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum in Tokyo, welcoming Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman (タリク・ラフマン), who was visiting Japan. Approximately 400 people participated in person and online, and presentations on public- and private-sector initiatives were given.
Prime Minister Rahman referred to Bangladesh's longstanding friendship with Japan and explained that the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February 2026, would eliminate tariffs on 7,379 items and provide preferential market access for Japanese automotive and electronic components. Expectations for increased investment and trade were expressed.
Regarding efforts to attract investment from Japanese companies, he identified reliable energy supplies, efficient infrastructure, and a predictable tax system as the three priorities, and called for future investment to advance in areas including automotive manufacturing, energy, space, railways, and agricultural processing. Initiatives to promote Japanese-language education among participants were also mentioned.
Taking advantage of Prime Minister Rahman's visit to Japan, 7 memorandums of understanding and 10 investment and cooperation projects between Bangladesh's Ministry of Finance and Japanese companies were announced at the forum. Expectations were expressed that investment by Japanese companies would expand as the investment environment is developed.