The UK Government’s revenue authority,Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Through this agreement, the UK Government aims to support Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to modernise its customs administration.
The MoU outlines a framework for technical assistance and capacity building, delivered by HMRC experts to help NBR implement key customs reforms, said a press release.
This includes support for the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement, development of risk management systems, and expansion of the recently launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
These will help streamline border processes and build trust with international trading partners.
Under the MoU, HMRC will provide:
In-person and remote training sessions for NBR staff, technical advice on customs reform and trade facilitation, peer-to-peer learning and short-term staff exchanges, Support for developing customs risk profiling and information sharing systems.
British High Commission Dhaka’s Deputy Development Director Martin Dawson said,” This agreement reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic development. Through our technical assistance programmes, we are helping strengthen institutions, improve trade systems, and support mutual economic growth.”
“As Bangladesh graduates from Least Developed Country status, efficient customs systems will play a vital role in unlocking growth economic.”
National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said,”This agreement is a valuable step in our efforts to modernise our customs and improve trade facilitation. We welcome the UK Government’s technical support and look forward to working together to strengthen our systems and drive economic growth.”
This support is part of a broader programme of technical assistance on economic development that the UK Government provides to Bangladesh.
This includes support on trade policy, investment climate reform and financial sector development – all aimed at helping Bangladesh build a more resilient and inclusive economy.