Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh have called upon the government to implement significant regulatory reforms and reduce the cost of doing business to safeguard economic growth against global uncertainties. The calls were made during a high-level meeting organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on July 12, 2026, aimed at addressing the challenges within the local trade and investment environment.
The meeting, titled “Improving the Overall Local Business, Trade and Investment Environment,” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Bangladesh Bank, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Business leaders emphasized that administrative complexities, tax ambiguities, and law and order concerns continue to hinder the private sector’s ability to contribute effectively to the national economy.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed highlighted that while recent budget measures—such as the allocation of Tk 50.00 billion for the CMSME sector and a stable five-year tax framework—are welcome, significant hurdles remain. He noted that the government’s ambitious revenue targets and the increasing reliance on bank borrowing to finance budget deficits are limiting credit availability for the private sector, thereby discouraging much-needed investment.
Key priorities identified by the entrepreneurs included the automation of trade license procedures, improved access to finance, and easing the process for opening letters of credit (LCs). Additionally, the impact of energy shortages on transport costs and restrictive operating hours for retail outlets were noted as significant drags on business turnover.
In response to these concerns, officials from the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) provided updates on ongoing efforts. The DSCC announced plans for a “Trade Licence Renewal Week” to simplify processes, while the NBR noted that the Finance Act 2026 includes initiatives to simplify operations, such as the extension of tax exemptions for the renewable energy sector until 2035. These measures are seen as critical steps in maintaining a competitive and business-friendly environment in Bangladesh.