Jute traders seek zero tax on export

Shengman Zhang, Citigroup Asia Pacific president, inaugurates a service outlet at Uttara Zashin Plaza in Dhaka yesterday. Mamun Rashid, Citi country officer, and other senior officials were also present. Photo: Citibank

Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) has urged the government to waive all taxes on export of raw jute.
The demand was made at a pre-budget meeting with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday with jute, textile and spinning mill sectors at its office. NBR Chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid presided.
BJA Chairman Rezaul Karim said that government patronisation is needed for marketing and export of raw jute. He pleaded for waiving all taxes, including VAT, on raw jute export.
Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Abdul Hye Sarkar demanded for counting the tax holiday from the date the factory goes on production.
He also demanded PSI waiver for the import of capital machinery and spare parts for export-oriented industries.
Terri Towel Association President Anisuzzaman said the government should ensure the sector-wise assistance to face up the situation arising out of the current worldwide economic meltdown.
He informed that in the last couple of months the export of terri towel declined by about 15 percent under the impact of the recession.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Vice President Abu lmam Chowdhury said NBR should cross check at the field level to increase revenue collection.
Mazid said the government in the next budget would take care of all sub-sectors of the readymade garments.
“The RMG sectors are supported by eight sub-sectors. In the past, the government provided facilities to some sub-sectors, but this time the government may provide facilities to the all sub-sectors,” he said.