Govt plans one-stop trade licensing, joint inspections

The government plans to introduce a single online portal for trade licences and a coordinated inspection system to cut bureaucratic delays, compliance costs and harassment faced by businesses.

The proposed reforms also include simplifying the renewal of work permits and security clearances for foreign employees as part of broader efforts to improve Bangladesh’s business and investment climate.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir outlined the initiatives on Saturday at the first meeting of the National Task Force on Deregulation and Business Facilitation, held at the Finance Division’s conference room at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, the meeting reviewed measures being taken by different ministries and agencies to reduce the cost of doing business, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, simplify administrative procedures and attract domestic and foreign investment.

Single portal for trade licences

The commerce minister said trade licences are currently issued through separate systems operated by union parishads, municipalities and city corporations, creating complications for entrepreneurs.

The government plans to bring these services under a unified online portal, allowing businesses to apply for licences, submit documents and pay fees electronically.

Once introduced, the system is expected to enable entrepreneurs to obtain trade licences from home without visiting multiple government offices.

The government is also considering extending the validity of trade licences and replacing the existing system with a Business Registration Certificate or a similar document, the minister said. The proposed changes are aimed at reducing processing times, simplifying procedures and easing administrative burdens on businesses.

Joint inspections to reduce harassment

The task force also discussed introducing a coordinated inspection system under the leadership of Invest Bangladesh to reduce repeated visits by regulatory agencies.

Under the proposed arrangement, inspections covering building safety, fire safety and environmental compliance could be conducted jointly on a pre-scheduled day instead of through separate visits by different agencies.

Representatives of the relevant regulatory bodies would participate alongside Invest Bangladesh officials.

The initiative is expected to save businesses time and money, reduce disruptions to operations and ease compliance-related difficulties.

The meeting also identified five priority sectors for an initial review of delays, overlapping responsibilities and other obstacles involving business approvals, permits and licences.

Work has begun to simplify approval procedures in these sectors, with plans to gradually expand the reforms to other areas.

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Easier clearance renewals for foreign workers

The commerce minister also raised concerns over delays and complications in renewing work permits and security clearances for foreign nationals employed in Bangladesh.

He said foreign employees generally work for legally registered businesses that pay taxes and operate through established corporate structures.

Despite employers submitting applications and the required documents, the renewal process often involves unnecessary complications, he said.

Muktadir called for measures to eliminate delays and harassment, urging closer coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs to make the process simpler, more transparent and efficient.

He stressed that unnecessary restrictions, lengthy approval procedures and poor coordination among government agencies must be addressed to create a more business-friendly environment and encourage investment.