Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashiruddin has pledged to streamline trade regulations and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles in order to promote trade and strengthen Bangladesh’s economic capacity.

Chairing the ninth meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) on Monday at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka’s New Eskaton area, the adviser emphasized the importance of regulatory reform to ensure a more efficient and equitable trading environment.

“We aim to create an efficient trade regime that not only strengthens our national economy but also ensures fair resource distribution,” he said. “Simplified regulations will establish fairness, promote a level playing field, and significantly increase trade volume.”

He further noted that simplifying trade procedures is also key to reducing tax evasion and improving overall efficiency in the country’s trade system.

Adviser Bashiruddin highlighted that ongoing efforts to automate customs procedures are a critical part of the government’s strategy to enhance the ease of doing business. These reforms are expected to accelerate import and export processes, reduce delays, and improve compliance.

“Trade facilitation is not just about removing obstacles—it’s about modernizing systems to better serve businesses and the economy as a whole,” he added.

The meeting was attended by high-level officials and stakeholders from across the trade and economic sectors, including Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Mahbubur Rahman, Commerce Secretary, Dr. Moinul Khan, Chairman, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, Nazneen Kawser, Executive Chairman, National Skills Development Authority, Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator, FBCCI, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Vice Chairman, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and Ayesha Akter, Additional Secretary (FTA), Ministry of Commerce.