Japan proposes joint trade study group

DHAKA: Japan has proposed formation of a joint study group with Bangladesh to assess feasibility for quick implementation of a free trade agreement between the two nations.

The proposal came when Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni met chairman of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Hiroyuki Ishige in Tokyo on Tuesday, according to a statement by the foreign ministry in Dhaka Wednesday.

Hiroyoku informed that JETRO’s regional office Dhaka had emerged as one of the busiest JETRO regional offices after its office in New York.

He said Bangladesh and Japan could form a study group to begin the process of a free trade agreement (FTA) or an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the two countries as soon as possible.

Moni stressed working out the framework of an economic zone exclusively for Japanese investors in Bangladesh and said both governments should pursue the EPA or FTA process expeditiously.

She also informed that as per the 2010 JETRO study, 87% Japanese entrepreneurs had responded positively to choose Bangladesh as their desired destination, either to do business or invest

Source: Gulf Times

BDST: 0917 HRS, JULY 12, 2012
RS