Japanese investors have called for tax reforms, regulatory clarity, and policy consistency to improve Bangladesh’s investment climate, citing persistent challenges that increase costs and delay business operations.
At a Japan Business Day event in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization, business leaders highlighted unpredictable tax practices, weak enforcement, and conflicting directives as key concerns.
Manabu Sugawara, president of the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD), stressed that clear, consistent, and transparent rules are essential to attract long-term investment. He called for simplified tax procedures, faster services, and reliable dispute resolution mechanisms.
Investors also pointed to poor coordination among government agencies, urging the introduction of a fully functional digital one-stop service to streamline licensing, approvals, and renewals, along with faster visa and permit processing.
Hiroshi Uegaki emphasized the need for digitalization, improved data management, and alignment with international standards to enhance business efficiency.
Speakers highlighted the importance of the proposed Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in ensuring market access, smoother trade processes, and long-term investor confidence.
Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida described the EPA as a landmark agreement that will provide legal certainty and reinforce a rules-based trade framework.
According to a survey by Japan External Trade Organization, 56.9% of Japanese firms in Bangladesh plan to expand operations, driven by the country’s growing domestic market. However, investors warned that policy uncertainty and administrative inefficiencies must be addressed to unlock greater foreign investment.
Experts concluded that stronger reforms, improved governance, and effective policy execution will be crucial for positioning Bangladesh as a competitive manufacturing hub and attracting sustained Japanese investment.
