Reforms in revenue sector needed to attract more FDI: Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has known as for reforms in Bangladesh’s income sector, warning that with out true modifications, the country could well merely now now not entice foreign converse investment (FDI) on the expected level.

At some stage in a dialogue programme on the income board’s headquarters within the capital’s Agargaon the day prior to this, Salehuddin talked about that a scheduled assembly with a six-member US delegation will rob plight in Dhaka, where the US crew is expected to hunt files from about reforms within the income sectors.

“The rapid challenges sooner than us are reforms within the income sector and banking, and political reforms will educate,” he added.
About income purpose subject at Tk4.8 lakh crore for FY25, he acknowledged the aim will remain unchanged as the country wanted to cut abet dependence on foreign funds and magnify its internal income technology.

Regarding public expectations for broader reforms, the finance adviser acknowledged, “Folks are captivating to spy reforms. While there had been some modifications within the monetary, banking, and education sectors, many feel that other areas have now now not seen as grand progress.”

Despite definite advantages, Bangladesh has now now not attracted the expected amount of FDI, with traders citing a few causes, including the country’s complex tax constructing, he acknowledged.

In a most up-to-date assembly with the National Board of Income (NBR) chairman, leaders from the International Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) expressed their concerns.

They sought NBR’s toughen in reforming the country’s tax system to develop Bangladesh a more ideal vacation station for FDI and to bolster the national financial system.

Based entirely mostly on central bank files, Bangladesh received $3 billion in obtain FDI final year, in comparison to $3.Forty eight billion in 2022. Economists speak that the FDI inflow in Bangladesh is lower than the aggressive Asian international locations.

The finance adviser acknowledged, “We have to cut abet foreign fund dependency.”

He additionally encouraged tax officers to alter their means so as that taxpayers no longer scare going thru the income department.

“Taxpayers mustn’t feel nervous after they encounter you. Many of us are inclined to lead obvious of tax officers to lead obvious of ability mistreatment.”

Salehuddin underscored the authorities’s give consideration to minimising wasteful spending and guaranteeing that public funds are worn responsibly.

Abdur Rahman Khan, chairman of NBR, acknowledged that there’s a image crisis within the income administration. To beat the pains, he entreated tax officers to rob proactive measures.

“Extra advantages can now now not be given to any particular individual organisation. We are succesful of be substitute-friendly, now now not businessman-friendly,” he acknowledged.

The dialogue, organised by the Bangladesh Civil Carrier (Taxation) Affiliation, became as soon as chaired by its president, M Lutful Azim. High NBR officers had been conceal on the programme.