The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to adopt a 'Customs Strategic Plan 2024-2028' to modernise customs procedures, streamline cross-border trading, and enhance revenue collection.
Publication of the policy paper in this regard is expected to be completed by the end of this month (July), according to a statement, issued following a two-day workshop on finalising the plan that concluded at a city hotel on Thursday.
Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneen, Senior Secretary at the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of NBR, graced the event as the chief guest.
Country Director of Asian Development Bank Edimon Ginting, Member of Customs Modernisation Ms Farzana Afrose, Programme Lead Ms Sonoko Sunayama, participants from the NBR and consultants of the ADB were present at the workshop.
Proper implementation of this plan is expected to significantly reduce trade costs, improve revenue performance, help develop essential infrastructure, introduce crucial legal reforms, and build the capacity of customs officials, ultimately facilitating smoother trade operations.
While significant progress has been made in the implementation of the Customs Modernisation Strategic Action Plan 2019-2022 and the Strategic Plan 2014-2017, there remains significant room for improvement in further driving the modernisation agenda, said the statement.
The Strategic Plan 2024-2028 will build upon the implemented and ongoing reforms and propel the transformation of Bangladesh Customs Wing towards realising the vision of the SMART Customs Wing by 2041.
As a development partner, the Asian Development Bank has supported the NBR for numerous activities and one of the milestone activities is the issuance of the upcoming Customs Strategic Plan 2024-2028.
NBR appreciated the programme team of ADB's trade facilitation sector development for their consistent support to the post-programme activities under TA 6911.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
