A delegation of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) recently expressed willingness to collaborate in expanding Japan-Bangladesh trade as it met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan.

The delegation included South Asian regional representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Economy; Trade and Industry and Director of Jetro, New Delhi Takuma Otaki, Country Representative Yuji Ando, Representative Kazunori Yamada and Senior Director in Dhaka SM Shariful Alam. 

BGMEA vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam and Director Md Imranur Rahman were also present.

They discussed possible avenues of expanding trade between Bangladesh and Japan.

The Jetro team and BGMEA leaders expressed willingness to organise a webinar to initiate communication between businessmen in Bangladesh and Japan, particularly those who are involved in the fashion industry.

Bangladeshi businessmen will be able to showcase their strengths and capabilities through the webinar, while Japanese buyers and investors will get the opportunity to explore their trade potential in Bangladesh, they said.

Also, the Jetro team and BGMEA leaders discussed a possible free trade agreement (FTA) so that Bangladesh could retain its access to the Japanese market in the post-LDC era.

Faruque stressed the importance of fibre diversification and investment in the non-cotton textile sector in Bangladesh and urged Jetro to encourage Japanese businessmen to invest in this area.

He also sought Jetro's support in developing the capacity of the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology in textile, apparel, fashion and business through collaboration with leading Japanese universities and fashion institutes.

Japan and Bangladesh will celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic relations in 2022.

The Jetro team and BGMEA leaders talked about jointly organising special programmes to celebrate the occasion.