Import Tax on Dates Reduced by NBR

BRAC Bank PLC has partnered with Pran-RFL Group to provide advanced cash management and supply chain financing solutions, enhancing financial operations and working capital optimization. The agreement was signed by Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, BRAC Bank's deputy managing director, and Uzma Chowdhury, Pran-RFL's finance director, at BRAC Bank's Gulshan office.

The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has recommended reducing import taxes on sunflower and canola oil to diversify cooking oil options in the market.

Potato prices in Bangladesh have surged to an all-time high of Tk 80 per kg, up by Tk 10 in recent weeks, surpassing the previous record of Tk 70 in August 2021. Traders attribute the spike to delayed harvests of early varieties due to adverse weather in August, reduced production, and increased demand for seeds during the peak cultivation season.

Bangladesh’s toy industry has significant potential to become a major export sector, second only to ready-made garments, with global toy market revenue projected to hit $150 billion by 2032. Despite exporting to 88 countries, local toy exports reached just $77 million in 2023, dominated by foreign firms like Sonic Bangladesh.

The government has approved the procurement of 55 lakh litres of soybean oil, 60,000 tonnes of fertiliser, 50,000 tonnes of wheat, 20,000 tonnes of sugar, and 20,000 tonnes of lentils to meet national demand. At the 14th Advisers' Council Committee meeting, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, it was highlighted that efforts are being made to stabilize essential goods prices.

Unilever Bangladesh Limited has introduced its URefill initiative, which allows consumers to save 25-30% on liquid products while reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution. Launched in 2022, URefill is Bangladesh's first refill machine designed to promote sustainability by encouraging consumers to reuse packaging.