FBCCI calls for policy continuity, tax reforms to boost investment in FY27 budget

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) yesterday (12 March) urged the government to ensure policy continuity in the upcoming FY2026-27 national budget to support business expansion and maintain investor confidence.

The call came during a pre-budget consultation meeting with FBCCI member bodies at its Motijheel office in Dhaka.

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

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," he said.

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

The organisation also called for uninterrupted power and energy supply, development of priority sectors to diversify exports, establishment of a central bonded warehouse and stakeholder-based legislation.

During the discussion, business leaders urged the government to expand the tax net and called on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to strengthen transparency and accountability through automation and integration in tax policy, procedures and administration.

Rahim Khan said FBCCI will present the private sector's proposals 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 businesses to provide constructive and realistic recommendations.