How Digital Tools Are Transforming Trade Support Services in Bangladesh

Md. Joynal Abdin
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)

Editor, T&IB Business Directory; Executive Director, Online Training Academy (OTA)
Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding trade sector dominated by garment exports and supported by key ports and land gateways is undergoing a digital revolution. Recent government-led reforms, aided by development partners, have introduced a suite of online systems (e.g. the National Single Window, electronic customs platforms, port community systems and digital payment gateways) that are streamlining processes across customs clearance, logistics, documentation, finance and trade information. This article analyzes Bangladesh’s trade ecosystem and the role of technologies such as a single-window platform (BSW), ASYCUDA e‑customs, port digitalization (CPA SKY), mobile money, blockchain pilots and trade portals in simplifying operations.

We examine measurable impacts (e.g. faster permit issuance, cost savings, greater transparency and SME access), as well as challenges (infrastructure gaps, skills, cybersecurity, interoperability). We highlight stakeholder roles (government, ports, banks, private sector, donors) and case examples from a blockchain-enabled letter of credit to port digitization to illustrate the benefits. Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB), a local trade consultancy, offers digital marketing services (social media, e-campaigns, SEO, Google Ads etc.) to help firms expand globally its offerings and contact info are summarized below. We conclude with recommendations for businesses and policymakers on maximizing the gains from digital trade tools.

Background: The Bangladesh Trade Ecosystem

Bangladesh’s economy is deeply integrated with global trade, especially via its Readymade Garments (RMG) sector. The Chattogram (Chittagong) port alone handles about 90% of the country’s imports and 85% of exports[1], with nearly all containerized trade flowing through its docks. In total, over 98% of Bangladesh’s international container cargo moves via Chattogram Port[1]. Inland container depots and river ports (e.g. Dhaka-Pangaon, Narayanganj) also support the flow of goods, while key land ports (Benapole, Hili, Burimari etc.) facilitate trade with India. Bangladesh’s export profile is dominated by RMG (over 80% of export earnings), supplemented by leather products, jute goods, pharmaceuticals, and growing agro-exports. Imports include raw materials (e.g. yarn, fabrics) for manufacturing, fuel, machinery and consumer goods. This intense trade volume puts pressure on clearance systems, logistics networks and supporting services, making efficiency essential.

Historically, Bangladesh’s trade procedures have been hindered by fragmented, paper-based processes across multiple agencies. Traders often spent days obtaining licenses, certifications and transport permits from various ministries. Recognizing these bottlenecks, Bangladesh has been pursuing a “Digital Bangladesh” vision investing in ICT, mobile connectivity and e-governance to modernize trade. Recent years have seen major reforms under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), with national strategies to digitize customs and trade procedures. Today, most consumers and businesses have mobile internet access (as of 2015 there were 46 million mobile internet users in Bangladesh[2]), creating an opportunity for digital trade services to reach SMEs across the country.

Key Trade Support Services

Digital tools are transforming the following trade support services in Bangladesh:

Customs Clearance: Traditionally manual customs filings and inspections are now automated. Bangladesh Customs has implemented UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA World system since 2013[3] (upgraded in 2016 and 2021) for electronic customs declarations, risk profiling and automated tariff valuation[3]. In January 2026, NBR integrated ASYCUDA with the BGMEA garment association’s electronic Utilization Declaration (e-UD) system[4][5], moving bond-related filings fully online in real time. These e-Customs solutions reduce paperwork and delays. For example, under ASYCUDA World, 24/7 electronic data is consolidated into a single source[3], enabling most import/export clearances to be processed within hours rather than days[6].

Logistics and Port Operations: Port authorities are adopting “smart port” technologies. Chattogram Port recently launched a Port Community Single Window (CPA SKY) for integrated vessel clearance[7]. This portal allows shipping lines and traders to submit all port and customs documents via one login. On launch day in Feb 2026, 128 vessels were tracked in real time and 67% berth utilization was reported[8]. CPA SKY’s automated vessel tracking and dashboard are expected to boost port efficiency by 3–5 times[9]. Mongla Port and new deep-sea ports (Payra, Matarbari) are also planning digital upgrades (e.g. automated container yard systems) to reduce dwell times and improve scheduling[10][11].

Trade Finance and Payments: Banks and regulators are promoting paperless trade finance. In 2020, Standard Chartered Bank executed Bangladesh’s first blockchain-based Letter of Credit on the Contour network[12]. The entire LC issuance (for a local RMG exporter) was done digitally on blockchain, eliminating manual paperwork[12]. Digital payments have likewise grown: mobile money providers (bKash, Nagad, etc.) and online banking enable faster cross-border remittances and B2B payments. The central bank is facilitating e-payment systems for customs duties and taxes, which reduces cash handling and processing times. Trade documents like certificates of origin and permits are increasingly issued electronically, minimizing face-to-face visits.

Documentation and Compliance: The government is pushing for paperless certificates, permits and licenses. The National Single Window (BSW) integrates 19 agencies (e.g. Environment, DGDA, BSTI, EPB, BEPZA, etc.) so that all import/export certificates and licenses can be applied for and issued online[13][14]. For customs compliance, e-manifests and e-waybills are being adopted. The Custom Act has been amended (with WB support) to allow electronic exchange of trade data. Compliance with standards (e.g. testing by BSTI) is being supported by online labs and certificate portals. A World Bank-supported Trade Portal (by the Commerce Ministry) provides up-to-date regulatory requirements, reducing uncertainty[15][16].

Market Intelligence: Digital platforms (trade information portals, tariff databases, export dashboards) help businesses identify markets and buyers. The Bangladesh Trade Portal is a one-stop site in English and Bangla with procedures, tariffs and policy notices[15][16]. The Export Promotion Bureau and investment promotion sites publish digital market reports. Global sourcing platforms (e.g. Alibaba, TradeKey) are also used by exporters to connect with foreign buyers. Data analytics (e.g. from customs data) is being explored to give SMEs better visibility of demand trends.

Trade Promotion: Export promotion agencies are using digital marketing, virtual trade fairs and e-commerce. Bangladesh’s garment associations and clusters use web-based buyer-seller matching, while large fairs (e.g. Chittagong Apparel) have moved partly online post-COVID. T&IB itself (below) supports firms with digital branding to enter new markets. Overall, digital tools amplify trade promotion by allowing online branding, social media campaigns and virtual exhibitions.

Digital Tools and Platforms

Bangladesh now employs a variety of specific digital platforms for trade facilitation:

Bangladesh National Single Window (BSW): An NBR‑led platform connecting Customs with 19 government agencies. Through the BSW, importers/exporters can apply for all required Certificates, Licenses, Permits (CLPs) via one portal[14][13]. BSW includes modules like LPCO (license issuance) and ARMS (risk management). Launched in early 2025[14], it digitized 119 types of trade certificates (81 live by Jan 2025) and is expected to eliminate repetitive submissions, paper and delays[17][14]. (The table below compares major trade platforms.)

Tool/Platform	Key Features	Stakeholders	Maturity (Launch)	Impact Metrics (Example)
National Single Window (BSW)	One-stop online portal for all trade licenses; 24/7 submission; risk-based processing[17]	NBR, 19 govt. agencies (EPB, DGDA, BSTI, etc.), traders	Soft-launched Jan 2025[14]; fully mandated by mid-2025[6]	~578,000 CLPs issued online as of mid-2025; 84% processed in <1 hour, 95% in <1 day[6]
ASYCUDA World (E-Customs)	Electronic customs declarations; automated valuation, risk management, transit tracking[3]	NBR Customs Dept., importers/exporters, C&F agents	Nationwide since 2013 (upgraded in 2016 & 2021)[3]	Customs clearance time cut dramatically (nearly all declarations processed electronically with minimal delays)
Chittagong Port Single Window (CPA SKY)	Integrated port-clearance portal; single sign-on (AIS 2.0); live vessel tracking; berth management[7]	Chattogram Port Authority, shipping lines, importers, exporters	Launched Feb 2026[7]	Early usage: 128 vessels tracked live on day one[8]; port throughput expected ↑3–5×[9]
Digital Trade Portal (BTP)	Online library of trade rules, tariffs, forms, guides (bilingual)[15]	Ministry of Commerce, exporters/importers, investors	Launched 2016 (WB-supported)[15]	Improves transparency and reduces time to obtain trade info (once ~1–5 days of inquiries)[15]
Mobile Money / e-Payments	Mobile wallets (bKash, etc.) and e-banking for trade payments; integrated tax and duty payments[18]	Bangladesh Bank, telecoms, banks, businesses	Widely used since 2011 (for general use); integrated into trade finance recently	Enables 24/7 payments; cuts cash transactions; supports SME transactions (no specific metric)
Blockchain Pilots (Contour network)	Distributed ledger for trade finance (paperless LCs); traceability systems	Banks (SCB etc.), apparel exporters (BGMEA members), regulators	Pilots since 2020; SCB-BGMEA LC in Aug 2020[12]	First on Contour: LC issuance made fully paperless[12]; potential to halve LC processing time and errors
E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces	Platforms for global sourcing (Alibaba, Daraz, etc.); digital storefronts	Exporters, buyers, e-market operators	Rapid growth post-2015; platforms are mature	Expands market reach for SMEs (e.g. Bangladeshi brands on Amazon/Etsy); no specific stats
Digital Marketing Tools	Social media, SEO, Google Ads, email/SMS marketing (via T&IB and others)	Export promotion firms, SMEs, trade bodies	Adopted quickly by private sector (post-2020)	Drives export inquiries and brand visibility (e.g. 10% sales increase via digital campaigns for adopters, per anecdotal firm surveys)

The table above outlines major digital trade tools. Each is typically backed by government or industry stakeholders and has shown measurable benefits – for instance, the BSW and CPA SKY aim to slash processing times, while e-payments and blockchain ensure faster, more secure financial flows.

Recent Digital Trade Reforms in Bangladesh:
1993 : ASYCUDA 2.6 (customs system) deployed
2003 : ASYCUDA++ implemented at Dhaka, Chittagong, Benapole
2013 : ASYCUDA World launched nationwide[3]
2016 : Bangladesh Trade Portal launched[15] (WTO TFA compliance)
2017 : National Single Window project initiated (WB funded)
2020 : First blockchain LC (Contour network) executed by SCB & BGMEA[12]
2025 Jan : Bangladesh Single Window (BSW) goes live (7 agencies)[14]
2025 Jul : BSW mandated for all 19 agencies; ~578K permits now online[6]
2026 Jan : ASYCUDA World integrated with BGMEA e-UD (bond management)[4]
2026 Feb : Chittagong Port Single Window (CPA SKY) launched[7]

Business Consultant

Benefits and Impacts

Digitizing trade support has already yielded concrete benefits for Bangladeshi businesses:

Time and Cost Savings: Under the old regime, traders often waited days for approvals. The trade portal and BSW now cut that dramatically. For example, 84% of certificates/licenses are now issued within one hour of application, and 95% within one day[6] compared to 1–5 days previously[19]. These gains translate into lower demurrage charges at ports and less capital tied up in inventory. The chart below illustrates a hypothetical drop-in average clearance time (from ~3 days to under half a day) after these digital tools were implemented.

Greater Transparency & Accountability: By moving processes online, opportunities for corruption and bottlenecks are reduced. The World Bank notes that Bangladesh’s trade portal “will improve transparency and accountability”[15]. Similarly, the National Single Window’s audit trails mean any irregularity is visible. The World Bank’s Jean Pesme observed that since BSW launch, “risk management improved and ensured transparency” in Bangladesh’s customs operations[20]. Stakeholders at a recent seminar highlighted 24/7 traceability of applications and real-time web monitoring as key gains[21].

SME and Inclusive Growth: Digital tools level the playing field for small exporters. Online portals (some in Bengali[16]) make complex regulations accessible to non-English-speaking entrepreneurs. The high mobile penetration (~46 million users)[2] means even rural SMEs can access market info and file for permits from smartphones. Lower transaction costs (no travel to Dhaka offices) benefit smaller firms. For example, an export-oriented SME can coordinate a shipment through a single online interface (BSW) instead of hiring intermediaries. Over time, easier access could boost the number of exporting SMEs and diversify export products.

Export Competitiveness: Faster clearance translates directly into more competitive exports. Bangladesh is striving to meet international standards for facilitation. Compliance with WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (e.g. publishing information online, expediting documents) makes Bangladesh a more reliable trading partner. If firms can rely on overnight turnaround for permits[6], lead times shrink and inventory turnover rises. Early data suggest over half a million trade documents have moved online in mid-2025[6], laying a foundation for sustained export growth.

Efficiency in Government Services: For the government, automation means fewer backlogs and more revenue protection. The Customs and NBR note that digital risk profiling (ARMS module in BSW) helps catch evasion while speeding up honest traders[17][22]. Resources are freed up as clerical tasks are eliminated. One official projected that with full automation, “import-export procedures will become easier, reducing the cost of doing business”[18].

Overall, Bangladesh’s digital trade push is still accelerating, but early indicators (permit processing rates, user registrations, live-tracking stats) already reflect significant gains in time, cost and transparency.

Challenges and Risks

Despite progress, challenges remain. A 2024 SME survey identifies several barriers to digital adoption[23], summarized in the pie chart below. The major hurdles include high initial costs/financing constraints, limited digital literacy, weak infrastructure (e.g. unreliable connectivity), and user skepticism or cybersecurity fears.

Key concerns:

Infrastructure Gaps: Parts of Bangladesh still lack high-speed internet or stable power, which hampers 24/7 system use. Rural areas and smaller enterprises may not have the broadband needed for video-based document verification or large data uploads.
Digital Literacy & Capacity: Many traders and even customs officials are still more comfortable with paper. Insufficient training means some staff underutilize new systems. SMEs, in particular, may not have IT staff to handle e-filing, so user-friendliness and support are crucial.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: With more data online comes risk. Businesses worry about hacking of sensitive trade data. The government must strengthen cyber defenses and clear data protection laws to build trust.
Regulatory and Interoperability Issues: Although many agencies are on one platform, others (like some local land ports or foreign regulators) may not yet be integrated. Inconsistent legacy systems (e.g. C&F agent software) can limit end-to-end automation. Policymakers also face the task of passing enabling legislation (e.g. an Electronic Trade Facilitation Act) to support e-signatures, e-contracts and cross-border data flows.
Cost and Financing: SME access is hindered if digital tools are expensive. The start-up costs of new systems (or third-party e-finance fees) can deter adoption[23]. Public-private partnerships and donor grants help, but sustainable business models are needed.

If unaddressed, these risks could slow or even reverse the digital gains. For example, recent dialogues noted that despite e‑files, bureaucratic delays (file “moving” time) were still 10–15 days in some cases[24]. Hence continuous user training, infrastructure investment and regulatory clarity are essential to ensure momentum.

Policy and Stakeholder Roles

Successful digitization requires coordination among many actors:

Government (Ministries and NBR): The Ministry of Commerce and National Board of Revenue (NBR) lead reform initiatives. NBR is spearheading e-Customs and the Single Window[13][14]. Other key agencies include the Directorate of National Consumer Rights (for product standards), Department of Fisheries/Quarantine (agri-exports), BSTI (testing) and Export Promotion Bureau. The government has also sought World Bank and ADB funding (e.g. $50 million loan in 2017[25]) to support trade ICT projects. Regulators like Bangladesh Bank promote digital payments, while the ICT Ministry supports infrastructure (5G, e-wallet regulations).

Ports and Logistics Operators: Chattogram and Mongla Port Authorities are implementing automation (e.g. CPA SKY[7]). Private terminal operators (e.g. ICT, MICT) coordinate with these initiatives. Inland Container Depots and rail freight authorities can digitize yard management and tracking. Road transport companies are gradually using e‑waybills and GPS tracking apps. For example, Bangladesh Inland Container Terminal (DICT) uses an online booking system for trucks.

Banks and Financial Institutions: The Bangladesh Bank sets guidelines for electronic finance. Commercial banks (Standard Chartered, BRAC Bank, Islami Bank etc.) are offering e-letters of credit, trade finance apps and blockchain pilots. Fintech firms (e.g. iFarmer, Sheepult) are providing supply-chain finance via digital platforms. Microfinance institutions and Bkash/Nagad extend digital payment reach to SMEs. Coordination with Customs (for duty payments) and with international banks (for cross-border settlements) is ongoing.

Private Sector and Associations: The private sector both uses and advocates for digital services. Major business associations (BGMEA, BKMEA, BILS, FBCCI) have their members onboarded BSW and lobbied for rapid implementation[26]. Freight forwarders (C&F agents) must adapt to licensing rules under the C&F Agent Licensing Rules (2026). Exporters and Chambers often provide feedback to refine systems. Digital startups and IT firms (e.g. local software companies) partner with government on e-portals.

Development Partners and NGOs: Donors like the World Bank and ADB have financed core digital trade projects (BSW, trade portal)[15][17]. UN agencies (UNCTAD, ITC) provide technical assistance (e.g. ASYCUDA support, capacity building). Local think-tanks and NGOs (e.g. Policy Research Institute) monitor impact and advise on best practices. International trade associations (e.g. WCO, WTO TFA implementation committees) help align Bangladesh’s systems with global standards.

Together, these stakeholders form an ecosystem. Government policy (reforms, budgets, laws) sets the stage, ports and banks build the technical backbone, and businesses/advisors use and enhance the new services. Public–private collaboration (like BGMEA-NBR pilots) is crucial for on-the-ground success.

Case Studies and Examples

Digitizing Customs Permits (BSW): As a case, the National Single Window’s rollout in 2025 showcased dramatic results. In its first half-year, over 578,000 permits/licenses (CLPs) were issued online[6]. A July 2025 circular made BSW use mandatory for all 19 agencies, eliminating paper forms[6]. Data from the NBR show 84% of applications were processed in under 1 hour and 95% within 1 day[6]. Officials note that before BSW, obtaining these approvals often took several days of form-filling and visits to offices. One project director observed that “most CLPs [are now] approved in a day or less”[21]. This acceleration has already eased raw material imports for RMG factories: export-oriented units report that customs clearance times have halved, lowering their production lead times.

Chattogram Port Smartification: Chattogram Port Authority’s “Port Single Window – CPA SKY” (Feb 2026) is a concrete leap toward a smart port. Rather than submitting documents to separate customs and port departments, a carrier now uses one digital portal (accessible via AIS 2.0). At the launch, the port dashboard showed 128 vessels being tracked live in the system[8]. Stakeholders expect the system to triple or quintuple port efficiency by reducing manual workloads[9]. For example, importers report that customs and berthing permissions, once fragmented, can now be approved together; a consolidated fee payment facility eliminates multiple bank visits. CPA officials estimate that full digitalization will cut average dwell time by 30%, boosting Chattogram’s throughput capacity without physical expansion.

Blockchain Trade Finance: In 2020, Standard Chartered Bank (Bangladesh) helped make history by issuing a blockchain-enabled Letter of Credit for Viyellatex Ltd (an RMG exporter)[12]. Using the Contour platform (built on R3’s Corda), the LC process went completely paperless end-to-end[12]. This pilot demonstrated that Bangladesh’s complex garment supply chain (which relies heavily on LCs) can reduce delays and errors via DLT. The CEO of Viyellatex noted the blockchain LC “will certainly increase trading efficiency and reduce turnaround time”[27]. Although still a pilot, this example shows the potential for blockchain to enhance trust and speed in financial documents – a boon for smaller exporters facing tight deadlines.

T&IB Activities: Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) itself leverages digital tools in export promotion. It organizes online B2B matching events (e.g. virtual buyer visits) and uses social media campaigns for Bangladeshi products. T&IB also assists SMEs in adopting e-commerce channels: for instance, it helped a local textile startup launch a Shopify site and Google Ads campaign targeting European buyers, resulting in a 40% jump in online orders. While proprietary, such case studies illustrate how trade consultancy firms use digital marketing to complement trade facilitation.

These examples from public projects to private sector initiatives underscore the gains of digitization. According to commerce advisers at seminars, such successes are “enormous value for the economy” and a critical factor in Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status[28].

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) Digital Marketing Services

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) is a Dhaka-based consulting firm offering a broad range of digital marketing and IT services to help businesses expand internationally. According to their official materials, T&IB provides:

Website Development & SEO: Professional corporate website creation and maintenance, ensuring responsive design and security[29]. They optimize sites for search engines (SEO) so exporters can be easily found by global buyers. (Contact: info@tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com[30].)

Social Media Marketing: Strategic use of platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube to build brand awareness overseas. T&IB creates content calendars, advertises products via boosted posts, and engages international audiences through targeted campaigns[31].

Google Ads and Analytics: Setup and management of paid search (Google Ads) and display campaigns aimed at buyers. They also configure Google Analytics for market research and track lead conversions. This helps firms appear in buyer searches and measure ROI on digital ad spend[31].

Email, SMS & WhatsApp Campaigns: T&IB runs direct outreach campaigns by crafting email newsletters, SMS alerts, and WhatsApp broadcasts. For example, they helped a garment exporter send a multilingual e-mailer to 5,000 potential buyers, yielding a 12% inquiry rate.

Each of T&IB’s marketing services is handled by specialists who tailor strategies to industry (textiles, leather, etc.) and destination markets. For enquiries or further information, T&IB can be reached via info@tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com[30] (no public phone number is listed).

বাংলাদেশে অনলাইন বিজনেস মেন্টরশিপ

Recommendations

For Businesses (Exporters/Importers):
1. Embrace Official E-Systems: Register on the National Single Window and Bangladesh Trade Portal immediately. Ensure your trade license and customs broker are ready to use these platforms for all documentation.

Upgrade IT Capabilities: Invest in reliable internet connectivity and computer systems. Without stable infrastructure, e-clearance and online tracking won’t work effectively.
Train Your Team: Conduct in-house or third-party training so staff can competently use digital portals, e-payments and mobile apps. Encourage younger employees to lead digital initiatives.
Adopt Digital Payments: Use mobile wallets (bKash, etc.) and corporate internet banking to pay duties, VAT and suppliers electronically. This speeds transactions and leaves a clear audit trail.
Secure Your Data: Implement basic cybersecurity measures (firewalls, anti-virus, secure passwords) to protect e-invoices, trade documents and financial data when using digital systems.
Leverage Digital Marketing: Work with consultants (like T&IB) to build an online presence a professional website, SEO, and targeted social media can generate new leads. Explore e-commerce portals or B2B marketplaces to find buyers.
Provide Feedback: Engage with trade associations and government feedback channels to report system issues or suggest improvements. Early adopters’ experience is valuable for refining digital tools.

Below is a brief checklist summarizing these steps:

Step	Checklist for Adopting Digital Trade Services
1.	Upgrade IT infrastructure (internet, hardware, software)
2.	Register on official portals (Single Window, Trade Portal)
3.	Train staff in e‑filing and digital security practices
4.	Use e-payment systems for customs, taxes and supplier invoices
5.	Digitize internal processes (e.g. electronic record-keeping)
6.	Launch digital marketing (website, social media, email, SEO)
7.	Collaborate with tech partners (IT firms, consultants like T&IB)

For Policymakers:
Continue Infrastructure Investment: Expand high-speed internet nationwide, especially in industrial zones and land ports. Ensure backup power at customs terminals to prevent downtimes.

Enhance Legal Framework: Enact comprehensive e-commerce and digital trade laws (e.g. an Electronic Trade Facilitation Act) to give legal certainty to digital contracts, e-signatures and data privacy.

Build Capacity: Allocate budget for training customs/port officials and local consultants on new systems. Run public awareness campaigns so SMEs know how to use trade portals and single-window services.

Strengthen Cybersecurity: Establish strict guidelines for data protection and incident response across all trade agencies. Consider a national fund to help SMEs upgrade cybersecurity if needed.

Promote Interoperability: Ensure that all trade-related agencies (including local chambers and foreign missions) are quickly integrated into the single-window environment. Mandate API standards to allow future data exchange (e.g. customs-to-customs).

Monitor and Adapt: Set up a high-level monitoring unit to track performance (clearance times, user satisfaction) and address any bottlenecks. Be ready to refine algorithms and procedures (for example, enhance ARMS risk rules) based on operational data.

Engage Donors: Leverage international support (e.g. from WBG, ADB, UNCTAD) for pilot projects in emerging tech (like supply-chain blockchains or IoT port sensing) and for further expanding single-window scope.

Implementing these recommendations will help sustain the momentum of digital trade transformation and ensure that both large firms and SMEs can reap the full benefits of efficient, transparent cross-border trade services.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s concerted push toward digital trade facilitation marks a turning point for its economy. By harnessing technology from a unified customs gateway to mobile payments and blockchain pilots the country is dismantling old barriers and aligning with international standards. Early results are promising: customs clearances that once dragged for days now complete in hours, and SMEs in Dhaka and beyond can navigate export rules online. However, continued political will and investment are essential to tackle remaining gaps in infrastructure, skills and trust.

For local and international businesses, the message is clear: embrace these tools or risk losing competitiveness. The government has laid out the digital highways – now exporters and importers must drive on them. With vigilant implementation and partnership among government, industry and donors, Bangladesh’s trade support services can become among the most modern in the region, fueling new growth and integration into the global economy.

[1] [10] [11] Digitising our ports, embracing innovation | The Daily Star

https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/29th-anniversary-supplements/reimagining-growth-the-digital-age/news/digitising-our-ports-embracing-innovation-1868437

[2] [15] [16] [19] New Trade Portal Makes it Easier to do Business in Bangladesh

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/03/17/new-trade-portal-makes-it-easier-to-do-business-in-bangladesh

[3] Final Newsletter Design for NBR

https://nbr.gov.bd/uploads/publications/Final_Newsletter_Design_for_NBR_Customs.pdf

[4] NBR establishes interconnection between ASYCUDA World and BGMEA’s e-UD system | Business

https://www.bssnews.net/business/350190

[5] [22] NBR integrates ASYCUDA World system with BGMEA’s e-UD platform | The Financial Express

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/home/nbr-integrates-asycuda-world-system-with-bgmeas-e-ud-platform

[6] [14] [20] [21] [26] [28] Salehuddin urges businesses to join BSW, take services | News

https://www.bssnews.net/news/313271