FE Report
The draft of a new Import Policy Order (IPO) for 2025-2028 has been prepared, featuring major changes in the existing IPO for 2021-2024, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said on Sunday.
"We are trying to bring significant changes to the import policy order. Once these are finalised through the cabinet, the details will be disclosed," he said.
Speaking at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he added that the government was moving towards a more liberal and simplified import regime.
Meetings had already been held with Bangladesh Bank and other stakeholders, and that the draft IPO would be placed before the cabinet shortly, Mr Bashir noted.
"If it does not come up in the next cabinet meeting, it will be placed in the following one," he added.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the government aimed to facilitate trade, noting that Bangladesh had also signed the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
The commerce adviser also said the government will hold a high-level meeting on January 19 to review the prices, supply and stock situation of essential commodities ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.
The move comes as authorities seek to ensure market stability and adequate supplies during the peak demand period.
Mr Bashir said all relevant stakeholders would participate in the meeting to devise appropriate strategies based on an assessment of prevailing market conditions.
Replying to a question, he said the meeting would bring together all concerned parties to evaluate the overall situation and take necessary measures. "After the review, we will be in a better position to assess the overall condition of the market."Responding to another question on the IPL issue between India and Bangladesh, the adviser said no adverse impact had been observed so far. "At this moment, we are not seeing anything. We do not see any indication that trade will be affected," he said.
Asked whether there was any pressure on trade due to the situation, he replied, "No, we are not feeling any pressure."
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