13/05/2026
Ease of Business Entry is the Priority of the Government: Commerce Minister at Call-on Meeting with BUILD Delegation
In a call-on meeting with a Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) delegation, on May 12, 2026, Mr. Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Honorable Minister of Commerce, informed that a series of sweeping regulatory reforms is aimed at reducing the cost of doing and ease of business and accelerating the transition toward a trillion-dollar economy.
Hon’ble Minister of Commerce said, ‘The government is committed to simplifying the start-up process for entrepreneurs, including company formation processes to be faster and easier. For major licenses such as, including Fire, DIFE, the government is thinking to make it easier by issuing a provisional license until final licenses process is completed within 12 months. This would allow implementation of business without unnecessary delays.
Regarding the expansion of Bonded Warehouse facilities, any sector that presents a viable proposal is invited to come forward. He said that government is also eager to work with BUILD on the development of Jute sector and in that respect Jute Pulp from green jute could be an option.
Furthermore, he informed that plans are progressing to make investment friendly business climate by bringing investment agencies under a single entity to streamline the investment ecosystem. The concern regarding private sector representation in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) has also been noted for further review.’
Abul Kasem Khan, Chairperson, BUILD, said, ‘Deregulation is the most effective tool for controlling the grey economy and bringing more businesses into the formal sector. The current trade license system remains a major barrier for new entrepreneurs, and a transition toward a ‘One License’ system is necessary to foster innovation. To further support youth-led ventures, he proposed a five-year tax exemption for young entrepreneurs.
Additionally, he informed that BUILD is in active conversation with the PMO regarding critical logistics reforms and will present these ideas to the Prime Minister shortly. He noted that BUILD is planning to hold a ‘Policy Summit’ at the end of this year to define the private sector's requirements for the next decade to achieve a trillion-dollar economy.’
Kamran T. Rahman, Trustee, BUILD, and, President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said that ‘the jute sector remains a pillar of the national economy but requires urgent modernization. Modern technology must be integrated into the jute sector to improve efficiency and value addition, ensuring it remains a profitable and sustainable industry in the years ahead.’
Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO, BUILD, emphasized on product traceability. According to her, ensuring product traceability is no longer optional in the global market; it has become a mandatory requirement for maintaining access to international supply chains, particularly in the EU. A robust National Traceability Strategy is essential to ensure transparency and compliance with evolving global sustainability standards, which directly impacts the competitiveness of our exports.
Furthermore, she informed that to support local industries, Geographical Indication (GI) products should be leveraged as a way to promote the ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative.
She raised the concern that the manufacturing industry currently requires up to 23 different licenses to operate. This burden on the business community must be minimized to maintain a competitive industrial edge.
