He made the call while speaking as chair at the 10th meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee held at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The minister said the capacity of government offices is being increased to reduce the time and cost of goods clearance. Effective coordination is needed to ensure that traders receive the benefits of these initiatives.
It was informed at the meeting that 47 of Bangladesh's 54 measures under the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement have been implemented. The remaining seven measures are targeted for implementation by June 2030.
To bring trade-related certificates, licenses, and permit services onto a single platform, 19 agencies have already been integrated into the National Single Window of the National Board of Revenue. Efforts are underway to include another 18 offices. The meeting was informed that cargo clearance will become faster once a risk-analysis-based automated system is introduced.
The meeting also highlighted progress in developing cold storage, packing houses, and cold chain infrastructure at Shahjalal International Airport, Benapole, Mongla, and Chattogram for exporting perishable agricultural products.
Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan said it is not possible for the Ministry of Commerce alone to implement all trade facilitation activities. Efforts are underway to complete the work ahead of the stipulated time with the cooperation of all relevant parties.
