Japanese, BD companies for FTA

Mr. Yuji Ando, Director of Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) and Country Representative of JETRO Dhaka Office Monday shared the survey result of a study on "FTA/EPA between Japan and Bangladesh", jointly conducted by JBCCI and JETRO.
The study revealed that 85 per cent of the Japanese companies and 87 per cent of the Bangladesh companies wish to have FTA between Japan and Bangladesh for further growth of the bilateral trade between two nations.
Minister of Planning M.A. Mannan MP said FTA/EPA between Japan and Bangladesh is very essential. It needs to be taken in priority consideration for promotion of business between Japan and Bangladesh before 2026 (LDC graduation).
Another joint study report on recommending a framework for the development of SME sector in Bangladesh, conducted by JBCCI and ICOSA Japan said the government should form a SME Bank to facilitate growth of the economy.
The study report was shared in a meeting on Monday between JBCCI and the Minister of Planning.
The report also proposed to create SME Division under the Ministry of Industries, form a SME Chamber of Commerce and Industry and adopt SME Act covering the issues of SME, said a statement.
From JBCCI, Mr. Asif A. Chowdhury, President, Mr. M. Jalalul Hai, Vice President, Mr. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan Jun, Secretary General, Dr. Kabir Ahmed, Director, Mr. Syed Samiul Huq, Director, Mr. Md. Emran Executive Director and Mr. Yuji Ando Director of JBCCI (Country Representative, JETRO) and Dr. Muhammad Abdul Mazid, Honorary Member were present in the meeting.
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Mazid presented the findings and proposals of the study.
Mr. M.A. Mannan, MP appreciated the findings and proposals of the study. He stated that to cooperate for implementing the proposals placed by the JBCCI in the meeting for the development of SME sector in Bangladesh.