Training on WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and Bangladesh Underway

Dhaka, February 23, 2025 – The three-day training program on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and Bangladesh, organized by the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) under the Bangladesh Regional Connectivity Project-1 (BRCP-1), Ministry of Commerce, is currently underway at the BFTI Academic Block, TCB Bhaban, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

The program, which began on February 23, 2025, aims to equip National Enquiry Points (NEPs) and focal persons with in-depth knowledge of trade facilitation mechanisms, WTO requirements, and Bangladesh’s implementation of the TFA.

The opening session was chaired by Ms. Shaila Yasmin, Project Director (Joint Secretary) (Additional Charge) of BRCP-1, Ministry of Commerce, with Md. Munir Chowdhury, National Trade Expert, BRCP-1, moderating the discussions.

Key Training Sessions & Resource Persons

Over the course of three days, distinguished experts and policymakers are conducting interactive sessions, covering essential trade topics, including:

• WTO’s Basic Principles & Functions – Mr. Mohammad Navid Safiullah, CEO (Additional Charge), BFTI, & Director General (Additional Secretary), Trade Organization (DTO) Wing, Ministry of Commerce
• Trade Facilitation Agreement & Bangladesh’s Compliance – Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, WTO Wing, Ministry of Commerce
• International Best Practices in Trade Facilitation and Establishing National Enquiry Points & Operational Guidelines – Md. Munir Chowdhury, National Trade Expert, BRCP-1
• Overview of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement – Mr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator, FBCCI and Former Additional Secretary, WTO Wing, Ministry of Commerce
• Bangladesh’s Trade Facilitation Roadmap & Implementation Status – Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan, Component Manager, Support to Sustainable Graduation Project, Ministry of Finance
• Simplification of Customs Procedures & Border Controls – Mr. Khaled Mohammad Abu Hossain, Commissioner, Customs Excise & VAT
• WTO Notification Requirements & TFA Commitments – Mr. Rashedul Kabir, Research Manager (Academic Affairs), BFTI
• Bangladesh Trade Portal & Its Functions – Mr. Makshudul Alom Mokul Mondal, Jr. Trade Expert & Focal Person Coordinator, BRCP-1

Closing Ceremony & Certification

The program will conclude on February 25, 2025, with a certificate awarding ceremony graced by Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, WTO Wing, Ministry of Commerce, as the Chief Guest. The event will be chaired by Ms. Shaila Yasmin, Project Director (Joint Secretary) (Additional Charge), BRCP-1, Ministry of Commerce.

This training marks a significant step towards enhancing Bangladesh’s trade facilitation framework, ensuring alignment with international trade practices, and strengthening regional connectivity.