FBCCI calls for policy continuity in next budget to boost investment

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Thursday, March 12, urged the government to ensure policy continuity in the upcoming national budget for FY2026–27 to facilitate business expansion and maintain investor confidence amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

The call came during a pre-budget consultation meeting with FBCCI’s member bodies held at the apex trade body's Motijheel office in Dhaka, where recommendations for the next fiscal budget were discussed.

In its proposals, FBCCI emphasised rationalising interest rates, increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, full implementation of one-stop services for businesses, and modernising port and logistics management.

The organisation also called for ensuring uninterrupted power and energy supply, developing priority sectors to diversify exports, establishing a central bonded warehouse, and enacting stakeholder-based legislation.

During the open discussion, business leaders advised the government to expand the tax net to raise the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio. They also urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to strengthen transparency and accountability through automation and integration in tax policy, procedures and administration.

FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said the government aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 15 per cent.

Assuring the business community, he said efforts to increase revenue collection would not necessarily lead to higher tax burdens on existing taxpayers. “Revenue growth will rather come through expanding the tax base.”

Rahim Khan also said FBCCI will present the rational proposals from the private sector at the 46th advisory committee meeting of the NBR.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir said the FY2026–27 budget is being prepared at a time when the global economy remains unstable, the energy market volatile and investment prospects uncertain.

“In such circumstances, preparing the national budget will be challenging for the new government,” he said, urging the business community to support the government by offering constructive and realistic proposals.

The meeting was attended by former NBR member and FBCCI Budget Expert Committee member Md Farid Uddin and Aminur Rahman, along with former FBCCI directors, leaders of various chambers and associations, and officials of the organisation.

Source: UNB