Bangladesh’s East Asian-Style Growth Offers Lessons for Pakistan, Says Japanese Expert

By webdesk On Jan 28, 2026

Independent Report
Islamabad, January 28, 2026: Renowned Japanese development economist, Prof. Yamagata Tatsufumi of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, highlighted Bangladesh’s successful transition from a typical South Asian economy to an East Asian-style industrial powerhouse, offering key lessons for Pakistan.
Speaking at a special guest lecture titled “Bangladesh as an East Asian Country: Its Pattern of Industrial Development”, co-hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Embassy of Japan, Prof. Yamagata emphasized Bangladesh’s high-intensity industrial development, which has boosted exports and expanded women’s workforce participation.
Prof. Yamagata noted that while Bangladesh remains geographically South Asian, its economic trajectory increasingly mirrors East Asia. He argued that the ready-made garments sector serves as a foundation for broader industrial diversification, citing growing exports in electrical appliances, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Bangladesh now ranks as the third-largest textile exporter to the US and the fourth-largest bicycle exporter to Europe.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director SDPI, highlighted the relevance of Bangladesh’s experience for Pakistan, noting historical complementarities in the textile value chain and potential opportunities for industrial diversification.
The lecture also addressed challenges linked to Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, including regulatory and trade changes for pharmaceuticals, while pointing to growing foreign investment interest, particularly from China and Japan. Prof. Yamagata further highlighted improvements in labor standards and rising real wages since 2005.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, observed that Bangladesh’s industrial development offers valuable insights for Pakistan, especially in harnessing a labor-abundant population and diversifying exports to sustain economic growth.
The session brought together policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners online, fostering discussion on regional industrialization, export competitiveness, and labor-intensive growth.