Japan and Bangladesh to negotiate economic partnership agreement
Nikkei Asia | 21 January 2024
Japan and Bangladesh to negotiate economic partnership agreement
by ANNA NISHINO, YUKI FUJITA and RYOSUKE HANADA
TOKYO/MUMBAI — Japan and Bangladesh are set to agree to launch negotiations for an economic partnership agreement as early as end of the month, Nikkei has learned, with the countries aiming to seal the deal in 2025.
Bangladesh exports a significant amount of textiles to Japan, with many Japanese companies investing in the South Asian nation. However, Bangladesh is expected to be upgraded from a United Nations list of "least-developed countries" in 2026, meaning that it will no longer be exempt from tariffs on exports to developed nations.
An EPA would suppress the effect of the status change on Bangladesh’s exports to Japan.
Meanwhile, Tokyo hopes Dhaka will lower tariffs on imported steel and automobiles — which are around 10% and 25%, respectively — as the Bangladeshi economy grows quickly and demand for infrastructure expands.
The sides will negotiate tariffs on rice and Japanese beef, or Wagyu, with Tokyo hoping to increase its agricultural product exports.
Japan imported about $1.72 billion of goods from Bangladesh in 2022. Apparel, such as clothes and shoes, made up over 90% of the imports. Japan’s exports to Bangladesh totaled about $2.57 billion, of which roughly 30% was iron and steel.
As of May 2023, 338 Japanese companies had offices or branches in Bangladesh, doubling over a decade, according to a research by Japan External Trade Organization. These companies could suffer a blow to business if the tariffs suddenly rise after Bangladesh is removed from the list of least-developed countries. In some cases, textile exports can be exposed to a tariff of over 10%.
This is the first time Japan will negotiate an EPA with a country that is about to lose its designation as a least-developed country.
The governments of Japan and Bangladesh began research about a potential EPA in December 2022. A report issued after the research suggested the countries begin negotiations, saying an EPA would not only lead to expanded trade and investment, but would also strengthen political and diplomatic relationships.
Japan also hopes to establish standards in tariffs and trade rules as Bangladesh explores a free trade agreement with China.
Negotiations will also involve easing the burden of paperwork, among other procedures required for importing and exporting.
