Trade facilitation key to improve ease of doing business

Policy makers and experts on Sunday stressed on implementing trade facilitation measures comprehensively in the country to improve on the ease of doing business index.

They were speaking at a workshop, ‘Trade Facilitation Measures in Bangladesh’, jointly organised by Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) and International Finance Corporation at the former's office in Dhaka.

Mr Khondaker Muhammad Aminur Rahman, member (customs: audit, modernisation and international trade) of National Board of Revenue (NBR), was present as guest of honour.

Mr Abul Kasem Khan, director, A.K. Khan & Company Ltd, delivered the keynote address. He is a former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Dr M Masrur Reaz, senior economist and program manager, Bangladesh Investment Climate Fund II; Ms Nusrat Nahid Babi, private sector specialist, World Bank Group; and Mr Md Ghyes Kamal, first secretary, customs modernisation and project management, NBR discussed different aspects of trade facilitation measures in Bangladesh.

Presided over by ERF president Saif Islam Dilal, its general secretary S M Rashidul Islam delivered welcome speech. Among others, UK Aid private sector development adviser Mushfiq Ibne Akber spoke on the occasion.