Japanese buyers have expressed strong interest in increasing their import of high-value and fashionable apparel from Bangladesh.

A visiting delegation from  Japan Textile Importers’ Association (JTIA expressed the interest during a meeting with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Dhaka.

The JTIA delegation included Toshinao Kawai of MN Inter-Fashion Limited, Issei Nozawa of Kowa Company Limited, Shingo Igami of Toyoshima & Co. Limited, Norihiro Komiya, Managing Director of JTIA, and Minami Kojiro of AIT Corporation.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the discussion joined by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu) and other vice presidents and directors.

Mahmud Hasan Khan said Bangladesh’s apparel industry is strategically diversifying its markets identifying Japan as a key and promising destination.

He noted that the sector is steadily moving up the value chain by transitioning from basic cotton items to high-end synthetic and technical textiles, and urged Japanese buyers to expand their sourcing from Bangladesh.

The JTIA delegation praised Bangladesh’s RMG sector for its progress in social and environmental compliance, worker safety, and product quality.

They observed that Bangladesh has become a trusted sourcing hub for high-value and fashionable apparel due to its consistent improvements in manufacturing standards.

To strengthen trade efficiency, the Japanese representatives stressed the importance of shortening lead times and called for streamlined customs procedures and enhanced operational efficiency at Chattogram Port.

BGMEA leaders sought JTIA’s support in simplifying the visa process for Bangladeshi businesspersons visiting Japan.

The delegation assured that they would raise the issue with the relevant Japanese authorities.

BGMEA also requested data-sharing and collaboration on market research to help identify emerging global trends.

The two sides discussed various industry issues including the implications of US tariffs and Bangladesh’s forthcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Mahmud Hasan Khan urged Japan, through the JTIA, to continue granting duty-free market access to Bangladeshi apparel even after LDC graduation in 2026.

He proposed that this could be achieved through an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) or a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close cooperation and work jointly to expand Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Japan.