Bangladesh’s knitwear sector has received fresh momentum as Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), arrived in Tokyo to strengthen bilateral trade ties and accelerate negotiations on the proposed Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Hatem reached the Japanese capital on Monday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening economic cooperation and expanding market opportunities for Bangladesh’s knitwear exporters.
Shortly after landing, he attended a dinner hosted by Kiminobu Hiraishi, Chairman of Maruhisha Pacific Co. The event brought together prominent Japanese stakeholders, including JETRO Bangladesh Country Head Kazuiki Kataoka, former JETRO Bangladesh chief Ando Yuji, and Hideo Kamiyama, Vice President of the Japan–Bangladesh Society. The meeting offered an early opportunity for informal discussions on investment, sourcing and future business collaboration.
The centrepiece of Hatem’s visit will be his meetings with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), where the proposed EPA is expected to dominate discussions. The agreement, once finalised, is anticipated to deepen economic integration, reduce trade barriers and widen market access for both nations. Bangladesh sees the EPA as a strategic instrument for boosting exports to Japan—one of its most stable and high-value markets.
Hatem is also scheduled to address the 38th Corporate Information Exchange Meeting hosted by the Japan–Bangladesh Society, where the EPA will again take centre stage. The day will conclude with a networking and business exchange reception designed to strengthen bilateral collaboration, expand sourcing channels and reinforce long-term economic ties.
BKMEA said the visit is part of its broader global engagement strategy focused on enhancing Bangladesh’s competitiveness, building strategic alliances and opening up new international markets for the country’s fast-growing knitwear industry.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
