UK to support NBR in modernising customs, boosting trade

The government on Monday signed an agreement with the United Kingdom’s tax, payments and customs authority to advance its efforts to modernise customs administration and improve trade facilitation.

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dhaka, setting out a framework for technical assistance and capacity building.

HMRC experts will support NBR in implementing key customs reforms, the British High Commission in Dhaka said in a statement.

The cooperation will include support for the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, development of risk management systems, and expansion of the recently launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.

These measures are expected to streamline border processes and strengthen trust with international trading partners.

Under the MoU, HMRC will provide in-person and remote training for NBR staff, technical advice on customs reform and trade facilitation, peer-to-peer learning and short-term staff exchanges, as well as support for developing customs risk profiling and information-sharing systems.

British High Commission Dhaka’s Deputy Development Director Martin Dawson said: “This agreement reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic development."

"Through our technical assistance programmes, we are helping strengthen institutions, improve trade systems, and support mutual economic growth. As Bangladesh graduates from Least Developed Country status, efficient customs systems will play a vital role in unlocking economic growth," he added.

NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said: “This agreement is a valuable step in our efforts to modernise customs and improve trade facilitation. We welcome the UK government’s technical support and look forward to working together to strengthen our systems and drive economic growth.”

This cooperation is part of a wider UK technical assistance programme on economic development in Bangladesh, which also supports trade policy, investment climate reform, and financial sector development—all aimed at building a more resilient and inclusive economy.