USAID initiates training for customs officials

To assist the government in reducing the time and cost of clearing goods, the USAID has taken an initiative to train customs officials on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.

Under the Feed the Future Bangladesh Improving Trade and Business Enabling Environment Activity, USAID is providing training for 25 customs officials on October 24-25, said a press release.

The training aims to build the capacity of customs officers to validate AEO applications and to manage the post-AEO accreditation procedures. It will also support the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to implement the globally-practised AEO in Bangladesh.

A Time Release Study conducted by NBR showed that consignments in the Chattogram Port required over 11 days to clear customs and be received. Having AEO status will dramatically reduce that time with the added benefit of reducing the congestion at the ports.

While NBR offers this status only to three firms now, it intends to provide more firms with the AEO facility from the textile, pharmaceutical, and leather sectors.