Dhaka has urged Tokyo to continue supporting Bangladesh even after it graduates from the least-developed country (LDC) status in 2026.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi made the call at a views-exchange meeting with new Japanese envoy Iwama Kiminori on Sunday, said a press release.
Senior officials of the commerce ministry accompanied him during the meeting at the secretariat.
Currently, Bangladeshi products enjoy the generalised system of preference (GSP) facility in Japan.
Japan is a large development partner of Bangladesh and there is a huge potential to boost export earnings from Japan - Dhaka eyes to seize the opportunity, Mr Munshi observed.
The minister told the Japanese ambassador that some 100 special economic zones are being set up in the country; many of them are at the final stage.
Japan would reap benefits if it invests in the zones, said the commerce minister.
Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status in 2026. Once it graduates, it will have to face many challenges.
Therefore, the country is working to make trade agreements like PTA or FTA, in order to enjoy trade benefits in different countries, said the minister.
Tokyo has assured Dhaka of necessary cooperation even after the latter's LDC graduation, according to the release.
The envoy said that the Japanese government gives Bangladesh more importance in trade, investment and economic development.
After LDC graduation in 2026, Japan will stay by the side of Bangladesh, said the ambassador.
Japan has many investments in Bangladesh, said Mr Kiminori, adding that it is keen to further increase economic relations with Bangladesh.
Japan is forming a joint working group with the government officials and relevant experts to determine the steps to be taken to sign the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), added the envoy.
