A delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by Acting President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam met with the new Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md. Abdur Rahman Khan.

In a meeting held at the NBR office in Dhaka on 19 August, issues related to customs and bond, especially problems and hassles being faced by the garment entrepreneurs were discussed. They requested NBR’s assistance in resolving the issues.

The BGMEA delegation included Vice Presidents Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Abdullah Hil Rakib, Directors Asif Ashraf, Md Imranur Rahman, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Ashikur Rahman (Tuhin), Rajiv Chowdhury, Md Mohiuddin Rubel and Md. Nurul Islam.

Executive President of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem was also present in the meeting.

During the discussion, the BGMEA delegation called upon the NBR  to simplify and speed up customs related services, especially for speedy clearance of imported raw materials, machinery and equipment, to facilitate seamless and smooth running of the overall operations of the garment industry.

They said customs related processes have considerable impact on the export-import activities of the garment industry as these problems lead to increase in production costs in the industry, causing unnecessary delays in business processes.

In the face of a global economic recession, decline in global demand and spending for apparel products, and increase in the industry's production costs, it is essential to simplify, expedite and ensure hassle-free customs processes to maintain the competitiveness of the industry, they added. 

The BGMEA leaders requested the NBR Chairman to take immediate measures to address the challenges.

The BGMEA delegation also recommended the formation of a task force with Customs Houses and Bond Commissionerates to resolve the prevailing issues related to customs and bonds in the apparel industry, particularly to make customs related services faster and easier.

Referring to the significant contribution of the garment industry in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, the NBR Chairman assured the BGMEA delegation that the NBR would provide all-out support to the garment industry for sustainable growth of the garment industry.

The NBR Chairman said he had already directed the concerned authorities to make customs related services faster and easier to ensure a congenial business environment. 

He said that if a business-friendly environment is created, it would lead to increase in trade, investment and new employment.

He also said that the National Board of Revenue will seriously consider the recommendations of the BGMEA delegation.