Govt to launch online one-stop investor services Commerce Minister

The government is working to make licensing and approval processes easier, faster and more integrated to ensure an investment-friendly environment, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Sunday.

“The government is working to make the licensing and approval process easier, faster and more integrated so that investors do not have to move from one office to another,” he said.

The minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a delegation of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), led by its President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in the capital yesterday.

Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan was also present at the meeting.

Highlighting ongoing reforms to improve the investment climate, Muktadir said the government aims to establish a digital platform through which investors can obtain all necessary approvals and services efficiently.

Referring to factory establishment procedures, he said completing all approvals within 15 days is not always feasible because the process requires inspections related to safety, risk management, fire protection and environmental compliance.

To prevent delays in investment activities, he said, the government plans to introduce provisional licences that will allow investors to begin preliminary operations while completing the remaining formalities.

The minister said a roadmap has already been prepared to shorten approval timelines, with particular attention being given to sector-specific licensing requirements.

“Licensing needs vary significantly from sector to sector. The requirements for a power plant are different from those for a textile factory,” he noted.

He also announced that the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will coordinate factory inspections under a unified mechanism.