JBCCI Welcomes FY2026-27 Budget, Calls for Effective Implementation and Investor-Friendly Reforms

Photo: CNI

Staff Correspondent: The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has welcomed Bangladesh's National Budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a positive step toward maintaining macroeconomic stability, strengthening fiscal discipline, controlling inflation, and fostering a more attractive environment for both domestic and foreign investment. 

In a statement issued following the budget announcement, JBCCI praised the government's emphasis on sustainable and inclusive economic growth through increased investments in education, healthcare, social protection, and employment generation. The chamber noted that such initiatives are crucial for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Bangladesh's transition to a higher-value economy. 

The chamber also appreciated the government's recognition of the private sector as a key driver of economic growth. According to JBCCI, the focus on improving the business climate, promoting industrial diversification, boosting exports, and attracting foreign direct investment sends a strong and positive signal to the international business community. 

JBCCI particularly welcomed measures aimed at the digitalisation of tax and customs administration, including automated VAT registration, expanded online compliance systems, ERP-based documentation recognition, and structured audit procedures. The organisation believes these reforms will improve transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance business predictability in line with international best practices. 

The chamber further praised reforms related to customs modernisation, bonded warehouse operations, logistics infrastructure, and the establishment of Free Trade Zones, highlighting their importance in attracting Japanese manufacturers and strengthening Bangladesh's position in regional and global value chains. 

JBCCI also welcomed incentives for emerging industries such as electric vehicles, battery technologies, semiconductors, advanced electronics, and medical devices. It said these initiatives could encourage technology transfer, attract quality investment, and create skilled employment opportunities for Bangladesh's growing workforce. 

Referring to the upcoming implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), JBCCI said the agreement presents a unique opportunity for Bangladesh to position itself as a preferred destination for Japanese investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, technology, and services. The chamber expressed optimism that the EPA, combined with ongoing domestic reforms, would further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. 

However, JBCCI stressed that effective implementation remains the key challenge. The chamber underscored the importance of timely policy execution, clear operational guidelines, regulatory stability, and predictable tax and customs administration to maintain investor confidence. It also called for continued efforts to reduce the cost of doing business, improve trade and logistics infrastructure, strengthen digital support systems, and enhance human capital development through closer collaboration between industry and educational institutions. 

Concluding its statement, JBCCI said Bangladesh stands at a pivotal stage of economic transformation. It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Bangladesh, the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, and private-sector stakeholders to deepen economic cooperation and attract greater Japanese investment, technology transfer, and quality employment opportunities. 

"Continued progress in policy consistency, transparency, governance, and reform implementation will further strengthen Bangladesh's reputation as a reliable and competitive investment destination in Asia," the chamber stated.