Local apparel exporters have urged the revenue board to form a taskforce to streamline customs services to sustain the industry's competitiveness amid plummeting garment demand and prices and escalating production costs.
"Customs procedures must be made easier, faster and free from harassment to maintain industry competitiveness," leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) told the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
At a meeting with new National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan in Dhaka on Monday, BGMEA leaders said both the apparel prices and demand are falling amid a global economic slowdown, while local production costs are on the rise.
BGMEA Acting President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam led the apparel-makers' team.
At the meeting, apparel sector leaders said customs procedures need to be simplified and accelerated to support the smooth operation of the ready-made garment industry.
They highlighted a swift clearance of imported raw materials, machinery and components.
The delegation asked the NBR chairman to resolve issues related to HS codes and the weight of imported and exported goods.
They said they proposed a task force, with representatives from customs houses and bond comissionarate, would tackle these problems.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan assured the apparel sector of full support to ensure its sustainable growth.
The revenue board chairman said he had already instructed relevant officials to simplify and expedite customs services to create a more business-friendly environment.
BGMEA vice-presidents Arshad Jamal Dipu and Abdullah Hil Rakib, directors Asif Ashraf, Md Imranur Rahman, Md Sohel Sadat, Ashiqur Rahman, Rajib Chowdhury, Md Mohiuddin Rubel and Md Nurul Islam and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem, among others, were present.
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