Dhaka:The newly-elected board of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has committed to enhancing trade, investment, and business cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan. The focus will be on Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) readiness, business networking, and promoting investments.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this commitment was announced at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of JBCCI held at Hotel Lakeshore in the capital. Kazuiki Kataoka was introduced as the new president of the chamber for the term from October 2026 to September 2028.
Kataoka expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership and JBCCI members and emphasized Japan's contributions to Bangladesh in trade, investment, and infrastructure development. He stressed the importance of leveraging the knowledge and expertise of JBCCI's nearly 400 member companies through various initiatives.
Newly-elected Secretary General Rabiul Alam highlighted the board's intention to build on the foundations laid by predecessors, aiming to elevate the chamber's role in Bangladesh-Japan relations. Outgoing President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan described JBCCI as a vital link between the business communities of the two nations since its inception in 2004. He stressed the importance of a timely ratification and implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi congratulated the new leadership and acknowledged the outgoing board's service. He highlighted JBCCI's growth and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment as a reliable partner to Bangladesh. The ambassador expressed optimism about upcoming Japanese investment initiatives and emphasized the need for industrial diversification and removing regulatory barriers.
JBCCI Secretary General Maria Howlader FCA discussed the chamber's activities and identified key priorities, including EPA readiness and increased participation of women entrepreneurs. The AGM approved the audited financial report and proposed new auditors for the fiscal year 2026-27. The newly-elected board comprises 16 members, including President Kazuiki Kataoka and several other key positions.
The meeting was attended by nearly 240 representatives from member organizations, businesses, government, and media, with Hiroaki Oura delivering the vote of thanks.