News Flash
DHAKA, June 25, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) today hosted a high-level investment seminar in Tokyo, Japan, inviting Japanese investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh's Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ).
The event follows the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan, which resulted in the signing of several MoUs aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in investment, energy, and technology, said a press release here.
Jointly supported by Maruhisa Pacific Co. Ltd., Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co. Ltd., YKK Group, and Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in Japan, the seminar drew around 125 participants from prominent Japanese investment organizations and industrial groups.
In his keynote address, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Executive Chairman of BEPZA, called upon Japanese investors to deepen engagement in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh is a place where potential meets performance and partnerships lead to prosperity," he said.
He highlighted Bangladesh's strategic location at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia, offering seamless access to regional and global markets.
"With a young, educated, and trainable workforce, we offer one of the most cost-effective labour pools in Asia," he added.
The executive chairman emphasized the government's commitment to a business-friendly ecosystem and BEPZA's streamlined One Stop Service system, offering investors tax holidays, duty-free import privileges, and legal protections.
"This is not just an investment pitch - it's a call for partnership to build a future aligned with global sustainability goals," he said.
Md. Daud Ali, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan, reiterated the government's proactive measures to foster a favorable investment climate. He assured that the Bangladesh Embassy in Japan is ready to facilitate business and tourism visas for Japanese investors within an hour.
Existing investors and NRBs also urged the ambassador to initiate a direct flight between Dhaka and Narita to further facilitate investment and business connectivity.
Yuji Ando, the recent past Country Director of JETRO Bangladesh, highlighted the advantages of investing in EPZs based on his long-standing experience in the country. He also noted some challenges and expressed hope that they would be addressed soon.
At the seminar, Hiraishi Kiminobo, Chairman of Maruhisa Pacific Co. Ltd., and Kano Tetsuro, investor of Yokohama Labels and Printing (BD) Co. Ltd., shared their experiences of successfully operating in Adamjee EPZ for over a decade.
They appreciated BEPZA's investor support and praised its efficient One Stop Service, encouraging fellow Japanese investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Bangladesh.
Md. Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion), presented a detailed PowerPoint on "Investment Opportunities in EPZs and the BEPZA Economic Zone," covering BEPZA's achievements, infrastructure, and investor services.
The seminar concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, where the BEPZA Executive Chairman, Executive Director (Investment Promotion), and Director Ali Istiak Chowdhury, addressed participants' queries.
Currently, BEPZA operates eight EPZs and the BEPZA Economic Zone, with two new EPZs under development in Jashore and Patuakhali. To date, 450 enterprises from 38 countries have invested in these zones, attracting US$ 7.05 billion in cumulative investment and generating employment for over half a million Bangladeshi workers. In the last fiscal year, EPZs contributed 17 percent of national exports and 30 percent of total FDI in Bangladesh.
Mentionable, 29 Japanese-owned enterprises have invested over US$ 621 million, employing more than 17,700 workers.
