JBCCI hails budget direction

The Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI) has welcomed the overall direction of the national budget while highlighting a set of structural and implementation-related challenges that require sustained attention to fully realise its intended outcomes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the chamber underscored that policy intent alone will not be sufficient unless supported by predictable execution, regulatory stability, and continued structural reforms to improve the investment climate.

"Implementation remains the most important success factor. The effectiveness of policy announcements will depend on timely issuance of implementing rules, clear operational guidelines, and consistent interpretation by field-level authorities. Predictable implementation is essential for maintaining investor confidence."

Regulatory stability and policy predictability are particularly important for Japanese companies, which typically make investment decisions with long-term horizons extending over decades, it said, adding that stable taxation, transparent customs administration, and consistent regulatory frameworks significantly reduce investment risk and encourage larger commitments.

The chamber also said digitalisation should be accompanied by reliable systems and adequate support. While online tax and customs administration is highly welcome, businesses should have access to efficient technical support and robust digital infrastructure. Technical system failures should not result in unintended compliance burdens or penalties.

JBCCI further said, "Reducing the overall cost of doing business remains an important priority. Businesses continue to face challenges arising from logistics costs, financing costs, energy prices, procedural delays, and administrative complexity. Continued reforms in these areas will further enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness."

Investment in trade and logistics infrastructure should continue to receive priority. Efficient ports, airports, multimodal transport systems, bonded warehouse facilities, and customs operations are essential for export competitiveness and for attracting global manufacturers seeking resilient supply chains, it added.

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