Bangladesh, Japan begin formal talks to sign trade deal

Bangladesh and Japan have formally begun negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to allow duty-free export benefits for Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market after LDC graduation in 2026. The first round of talks was held in Dhaka from May 19-23, where both sides exchanged views on negotiating areas like trade in goods, services, investment and dispute settlement. An EPA is crucial for Bangladesh to retain its $1.9 billion annual exports to Japan, which is at risk of facing up to 18% duties post-LDC graduation.