Successful Diagnostic mission to Bangladesh

15 April 2011

Successful Diagnostic mission to Bangladesh

3-15 April 2011

Based upon the request from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh, the WCO conducted a Diagnostic mission to the country, as Phase 1 of the Columbus Programme. The mission was delivered from 03 to 15 April 2011 and carried out by three experts from UK, Malaysia and the WCO Secretariat. It was financially supported by Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) Japan.

The experts’ team visited the NBR Headquarters in Dhaka, interviewed senior managers and policy staff. The team also paid field visits to Customs Houses at the International Airport, the Inland House Depot in Dhaka, Chittagong Port and Benapole (on the border with India). In addition, the team held several meetings with representatives from business sectors such as the Chambers of Commerce and clearing & forwarding agents, and with other government agencies.

The mission was well received by NBR and Customs Houses who showed warm hospitality. The staff of NBR and Customs Houses successfully supported the mission by presenting their current situation, answering questions and providing documents related to trade and Customs operations. This co-operation led to the successful identificationof all current development activities within NBR.

At the end of the mission, a draft diagnostic report including findings and recommendations was presented to the Chairman of NBR, Dr. Nasiruddin Ahmed. The soon finalized diagnostic report will be the basis for further steps in the reform and modernization process of NBR, Bangladesh.