Dhaka:Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced that the government plans to launch a single online portal to streamline the issuance of trade licences and implement a coordinated inspection system. This initiative aims to reduce administrative complexities, save costs for businesses, and enhance the investment climate in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, entrepreneurs will be able to apply for trade licences, submit necessary documents, and pay fees through this unified online platform. The change is expected to eliminate the need for businesses to visit multiple offices, thereby simplifying the process and reducing delays.
The announcement was made during the first meeting of the National Task Force on Deregulation and Business Facilitation, chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The meeting reviewed ongoing efforts to cut business costs, remove unnecessary regulations, and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
Currently, trade licences are issued through various systems managed by union parishads, municipalities, and city corporations. The proposed online system aims to unify these processes, alleviating administrative burdens for entrepreneurs. The government is also considering extending the validity of trade licences and transforming the system into a 'Business Registration Certificate' to further simplify business registration.
Additionally, the Commerce Minister emphasized the need to streamline the renewal process for work permits and security clearances for foreign employees. He highlighted the importance of coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance transparency and efficiency in the renewal process.
The meeting also discussed the introduction of a coordinated inspection system led by Invest Bangladesh. This system would consolidate inspections for building safety, fire safety, and environmental compliance into a single scheduled visit, reducing the frequency of inspections and minimizing administrative hassles for businesses.
Five priority sectors were identified for initial action to simplify the approval processes for business and investment-related licences. The government intends to review existing barriers and streamline procedures in these sectors before expanding the initiative to other areas.
The meeting saw participation from various high-level officials, including Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, among others. The discussions focused on administrative reforms, digital service expansion, and improved coordination among agencies to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of business services.