JBCCI seeks simpler visa process, policy consistency to attract Japanese investment

Leaders of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) have called for simplified visa, work permit and security clearance procedures, eased financial regulations and greater policy consistency to attract and retain Japanese investment in Bangladesh.

The proposals were placed during a meeting between JBCCI leaders and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office yesterday (21 June).

JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan Jun also proposed authorising the chamber to issue Certificates of Origin for eligible member exporters, particularly those operating in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and other economic zones.

The discussion focused on strengthening Japan-Bangladesh trade and investment ties and accelerating implementation of the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which JBCCI described as a major milestone in bilateral economic relations, according to a press release.

Briefing the minister on the chamber's activities, Tareq said JBCCI, established in 2004, is a unique bilateral chamber with equal representation of Bangladeshi and Japanese nationals on its board.

He reaffirmed JBCCI's commitment to promoting trade and investment, encouraging joint ventures and addressing investment challenges through policy advocacy and public-private dialogue.

Describing the EPA, signed in Tokyo on 6 February, 2026, as a historic milestone for bilateral economic cooperation, he said JBCCI is ready to support its implementation through awareness programmes, consultations and business support initiatives.

Maria Howlader FCA, secretary general of JBCCI, emphasised the importance of the EPA's timely and effective implementation.

She said JBCCI members are seeking clearer information on products that will receive duty-free market access under the agreement and requested the Ministry of Commerce to share the detailed product list and implementation guidelines with the business community.

Noting that Japan has long been one of Bangladesh's closest and most reliable partners in trade, investment and economic development, she stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations.

She also requested the inclusion of a JBCCI representative in EPA-related implementation discussions and reaffirmed the chamber's readiness to support implementation through awareness programmes, market access support, SME initiatives and regular public-private consultations.

Abdul Haque, former president of JBCCI, stressed the need for a more investment-friendly business environment, saying greater Japanese investment would encourage investors from other countries as well.

He proposed establishing a professional single-window investment facilitation agency to provide comprehensive support to investors through a single platform.

Manabu Sugawara, director of JBCCI, emphasised the need for early ratification and implementation of the EPA, noting that the agreement is awaiting approval by both governments before coming into effect.

He said businesses would benefit from clear information on the EPA's implementation timeline, duration of benefits and review mechanisms, which would also help Bangladesh diversify its exports to Japan.

Hiroaki Oura, vice president of JBCCI, welcomed recent government efforts to improve visa support and security clearance procedures for foreign investors and expatriates.

However, he said Japanese companies still face challenges in obtaining investment visas and related clearances in a timely manner and expressed concern over financial regulations and frequent policy changes affecting long-term investment confidence.

He called for simplified investment procedures, a stronger financial framework and a stable policy environment to make Bangladesh a more attractive destination for Japanese investors.

Md Moniruzzaman, DGM of Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific), highlighted the need to simplify visa and work permit procedures for expatriate professionals involved in business operations, technology transfer and investment implementation.

He also stressed the importance of modernising the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), particularly in record-keeping, document management, acquisitions, buyouts and investment-related processes, to create a more efficient and investor-friendly corporate environment.

Kenji Kimura, treasurer of JBCCI, highlighted challenges related to import-export settlements and overseas borrowing.

He said Bangladesh's strict letter of credit (LC)-based transaction requirements and complex approval procedures for overseas borrowing remain more challenging than those in competing destinations such as India and Vietnam.

He urged the government to relax LC-related regulations and simplify overseas borrowing procedures, particularly for loans from parent companies or shareholders to local subsidiaries.

Mohammed Sohel, director of JBCCI, expressed optimism about the future development of the ready-made garment sector, saying it would benefit significantly from alignment with the EPA's provisions.

Responding to the issues raised, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said revisions to the visa issuance process are under consideration by the Cabinet and requested JBCCI to submit specific recommendations in writing.

He also highlighted ongoing government efforts to simplify business procedures, reduce licensing and clearance timelines and strengthen one-stop services through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

On the proposal to issue Certificates of Origin, the minister said the matter would be reviewed carefully, noting that such authority has traditionally been entrusted to sectoral associations and chambers.

He further said the ministry would prepare a roadmap for effective EPA implementation and form a committee that would include JBCCI representatives.

The minister also acknowledged concerns regarding financial regulations, policy predictability, RJSC modernisation, IRC/ERC digitisation, trade flexibility and foreign borrowing, assuring that relevant reforms are being considered to create a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment.

JBCCI reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government to strengthen the longstanding economic partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.