, Jan. 22 -- The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan which will help Bangladesh enjoy immediate duty-free access to the Japanese market for 7,379 products.

In return, Japan will receive immediate duty-free access to 1,039 products from Bangladesh through the signing of the EPA between Bangladesh and Japan.

It will be a milestone and historic agreement, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.

While briefing the journalists, Alam said this will eventually help Bangladesh negotiate better with other countries on the trade front.

"We are trying to diversify exports and markets," said the Press Secretary, not...