USAID/BANGLADESH TRADE FACILITATION ACTIVITY QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT: APRIL–JUNE 2015 (FY15, Q3)

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) intends to accept a 25 million USD loan offered by the World Bank for a large-scale NSW implementation project as part of the 360 million USD World Bank 'Integrated Border Management' project. This quarter also saw the start of the annual Bangladesh Government budget preparation cycle, which involves all senior managers at the NBR for an 8-week period, limiting the ability to meet regularly with NBR senior management. The newly appointed Chairman of the NBR continues to demonstrate a different management style and approach from those of his predecessor. The current Board of Members remains unsure of his intentions, and BTFA's main counterpart board members were replaced during the quarter. The project will now seek to build the required level of interaction with the newly appointed board members and move forward with BTFA activities. The position of Chairman is normally given to an individual who has only two years of service remaining, which means that the BTFA may see a third Chairman during the life of the project. During the quarter, the BTFA team completed a number of important tasks. The Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Training of Trainers (TOT) manual was completed and delivered to the NBR, receiving very positive feedback. Building on the architecture for the proposed Customs website prepared during Q2, the BTFA contracted a web developer to commence work on the site construction. This important work will continue into Q4. The BTFA team prepared the first draft of the 'Advance Ruling Guide' and submitted it to the NBR. The team will continue to refine the Guide and promote its adoption into a full Advance Ruling (AR) system during Q4. The BTFA team has continued to work closely with the Secretary-level Committee of the Cabinet Division to review the translated Bangla draft of the new Customs Act. The team has worked hard to ensure that the Bangla translation continues to support the project initiatives of PCA, Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), ARs, and a National Enquiry Point (NEP). The BTFA has also continued to provide assistance and advice as required and requested. Coordination between donors continues to present challenges, and this is a situation that will not be easily remedied. The BTFA will be holding a workshop early in Q4 to promote the idea of a full-time modernization committee within the NBR, which the new Chairman is in favor of. The BTFA team has made significant progress in building the required level of interaction with the newly appointed board members. The team has also continued to work closely with the Secretary-level Committee of the Cabinet Division to review the translated Bangla draft of the new Customs Act. The team has worked hard to ensure that the Bangla translation continues to support the project initiatives of PCA, AEOs, ARs, and a National Enquiry Point (NEP). The BTFA has also continued to provide assistance and advice as required and requested.