The European Union has postponed its first round of negotiation with Bangladesh on a new agreement meant to elevate its partnership with the South Asian country.

The government yesterday initiated talks to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan in order to retain the duty benefit after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation to a developing nation in 2026.

Bangladesh looks to conclude the signing of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Japan by December 2025, as scheduled, to retain the duty-free market access to the third largest economy, Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said.

Bangladesh has agreed to ink the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India; a free trade agreement that will boost economic ties between the two countries.