Japan on Monday said the conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan is expected to further strengthen economic relations, including the expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.

Commencing at 16:00 (JST) and lasting for approximately 10 minutes, MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.

They confirmed that an agreement in principle was reached on the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan.

At the outset, Minister MOTEGI said he was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Adviser Bashir.

He also touched upon the cooperative relationship under the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, acknowledging the important role that Bangladesh plays in regional development, and recalled his visit to Bangladesh in 2019 as Minister in charge of Economic Revitalisation.

They confirmed and welcomed the agreement in principle reached between the two countries with regard to the Japan-Bangladesh EPA, for which the launch of negotiations was decided in March 2024.

They also concurred to continue cooperating towards the signing of this agreement.