DHAKA, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS) - Japan's leading rice bran oil producer, Sanwa 
Yushi Co. Ltd., has expressed its interest in importing non-refined rice bran 
oil from Bangladesh.

Yozaemon Yamaguchi, Managing Director of Sanwa Yushi Co. Ltd., Japan, 
expressed such interest at a view exchange meeting titled "Market Demand and 
Future Potential of Rice Bran Oil in Bangladesh" held at the FBCCI office in 
the capital's Motijheel area. 

The meeting was chaired by Md Alamgir, Secretary General of the Federation of 
Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). 

Alamgir also presented a report highlighting the market potential, demand, 
supply chain, and investment opportunities in Bangladesh's edible oil sector. 
Leading local business figures involved in the rice bran oil industry were 
also present, said a press release.

In his remarks, Yozaemon Yamaguchi said that rice bran oil producers supply 
30 to 40 percent of Japan's total edible oil demand. However, Japan's 
production capacity is insufficient to meet the domestic demand.

"As there is a high demand in Japan, we're interested in importing non-
refined oil from Bangladesh," said Yamaguchi.

Gazi Mahmud Kamal, Business Associate of Bangladesh Sudan Ginning Cotton Co. 
Ltd., stated that increasing the production and use of rice bran oil can 
reduce Bangladesh's dependence on imported edible oils. 

Since rice is the country's main crop and raw materials are readily available 
locally, the market potential for rice bran oil here is substantial.

Md Zakir Hossain, former Additional Secretary (PRL) of the Ministry of 
Agriculture, mentioned that several companies in Bangladesh are producing 
rice bran oil, but consumer-level demand remains relatively low. 

Therefore, exploring export markets could be a viable strategy.

During the discussion, FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir called for Japanese 
investment and technical collaboration in the rice bran oil industry. He 
assured that if Sanwa Yushi Co. Ltd. establishes an industrial operation in 
Bangladesh, the FBCCI will extend full cooperation.

Some local edible oil producers, however, expressed concerns that exporting 
non-refined oil might create a shortage of raw materials for domestic 
processors. 

While a few opposed the export of non-refined oil, others proposed exporting 
both non-refined and refined rice bran oil to Japan.

Md Abdul Haque, former Director of the FBCCI, presented valuable data and 
insights on various aspects of the rice bran oil industry. Md Zakir Hossain 
Nayon, a member of the FBCCI General Body, also spoke at the meeting.

Other attendees included Md Zafar Iqbal, Head of FBCCI's International 
Affairs Wing; Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abu Nayeem Md Shahidullah, Adviser, FBCCI 
Safety Council; Takaki Yamaguchi, Executive Vice President, Corporate 
Planning Division, Sanwa Yushi Co. Ltd.; Agib Abul Khair, Managing Partner, 
Bangladesh Sudan Ginning Cotton Co. Ltd.; and business leaders from various 
chambers and associations.