Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), hosted an exchange session titled ‘Forging a Shared Future’. The event brought together prominent Japanese stakeholders to discuss the evolving regulatory frameworks, the progress of bilateral trade, and investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
Key developments were highlighted during the session, including the Bangladesh Bank’s new guidelines on Joint Venture/Consortium/Association (JVCA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) strategic collaboration plans, progress on the bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the challenges faced by Japanese investors in the Bangladeshi market.
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of the 53-year economic partnership between Japan and Bangladesh. He noted that Japanese businesses and aid have played a transformative role in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and education.
Dr. Khandoker Azizul Islam, an executive member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), underscored the Government’s ongoing efforts to attract more Japanese businesses and investments through policy reforms and a conducive business ecosystem, especially towards the important RMG industry.
Tomohide Ichiguchi, Chief Representative of JICA, shared insights on JICA’s recent focus on industrial diversification and private sector development. This includes improving the investment climate, developing the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, enhancing human resources in ICT and manufacturing, and initiatives in food safety and customs improvement.
Yuji Ando, Country Representative of JETRO, welcomed the recent circulars from Bangladesh Bank and BIDA, describing them as timely initiatives to streamline the NVCA formation and regulatory processes. However, he called for additional clarification and flexibility in areas such as interest-free working capital loans and outward remittance procedures.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President of JBCCI, highlighted the importance of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) in fostering economic collaboration, especially as Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, moderated by Faysal Islam, Head of Global Subsidiaries at Standard Chartered Bangladesh. Panelists included experts from BIDA and Bangladesh Bank, who engaged with the audience to clarify regulations and address investment-related concerns.
Enamul Huque, Head of Corporate Coverage at Standard Chartered Bangladesh, closed the session by thanking participants and reaffirming the bank’s commitment to fostering Japanese investment and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
