April 23, 2025
Japan Fair Trade Commission
JFTC Concludes Memorandum on Cooperation with the Bangladesh Competition Commission
Chair Furuya of the JFTC and Chairperson Ahsan of the Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) concluded the Memorandum on Cooperation between the JFTC and the BCC on Monday, April 21. With this signing, the two authorities have officially concluded the memorandum aimed at enhancing cooperation.
The most recent memorandum signed by the JFTC prior to this was with the competition authority of India in August 2021. The newly signed Memorandum with Bangladesh marks the twelfth such agreement concluded by the JFTC.
The purpose of this Memorandum is to contribute to the effective enforcement of each country’s competition law through the development of cooperative relationship between the two authorities.
Specifically, the Memorandum provides for two main areas of cooperation:
(1) the exchange of information related to law enforcement activities, and
(2) technical cooperation through personnel exchanges and other means.
In Bangladesh, the Competition Act was enacted in 2012, and the activities of the BCC began in 2016. From a global perspective, the BCC is considered a relatively young authority. On the other hand, it is understood that the BCC has accumulated practical experience in law enforcement, particularly in the primary industry sector. The JFTC intends to support the BCC in strengthening its capacity for the formulation and implementation of competition law and policy under this Memorandum. To this end, the JFTC plans to share its experience in law enforcement and technical assistance through training programs and other opportunities.
With regard to the economic relationship between Japan and Bangladesh, more than 300 Japanese enterprises are currently operating in Bangladesh. Against the backdrop of the country’s recent economic growth, the number of Japanese enterprises entering the Bangladeshi market is expected to increase further, leading to even closer economic ties between the two countries.
We believe that this Memorandum will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening and deepening the cooperative relationship between the two authorities. Such cooperation is expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s national economy, improvements in living standards, the promotion of innovation, and the business activities of Japanese enterprises operating in Bangladesh.
（Tentative translation）
In Bangladesh, the Competition Act was enacted in 2012, and the activities of the BCC began in 2016. From a global perspective, the BCC is considered a relatively young authority. On the other hand, it is understood that the BCC has accumulated practical experience in law enforcement, particularly in the primary industry sector. The JFTC intends to support the BCC in strengthening its capacity for the formulation and implementation of competition law and policy under this Memorandum. To this end, the JFTC plans to share its experience in law enforcement and technical assistance through training programs and other opportunities.
With regard to the economic relationship between Japan and Bangladesh, more than 300 Japanese enterprises are currently operating in Bangladesh. Against the backdrop of the country’s recent economic growth, the number of Japanese enterprises entering the Bangladeshi market is expected to increase further, leading to even closer economic ties between the two countries.
We believe that this Memorandum will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening and deepening the cooperative relationship between the two authorities. Such cooperation is expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s national economy, improvements in living standards, the promotion of innovation, and the business activities of Japanese enterprises operating in Bangladesh.
（Tentative translation）
