PFM II: Feed the Future Bangladesh Improving Trade and Business Enabling Environment Activity

Status: Ongoing

We’re proud to lead the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity, a six-year initiative that strengthens Bangladesh’s economic growth and food security. This project empowers government agencies, private sectors, and civil society to unlock the country’s trade potential and create opportunities for all. Through a combination of technical assistance, training, and institutional strengthening, we’re breaking barriers and fostering collaboration to drive sustainable progress. Here’s how: 

Streamlining Trade Facilitation:  

  • We’re helping Bangladesh implement the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by equipping government officials with the tools to optimize processes, enhance food safety procedures that protect consumers, and build trust in global markets. 

Building a Business-Enabling Environment: 

  • By simplifying regulations and digitizing government services, we’re making it easier for businesses to operate—from streamlining processes for the World Bank Doing Business Indicators to ensuring services are transparent and accessible. 

Strengthening Business Infrastructure: 

  • Supporting the private sector is central to our mission. We’re partnering with logistics operators, clearing agents, inland container depots, and trade aggregators to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure Bangladesh remains a regional trade hub. 

Region

  • Asia

Country / Countries

  • Bangladesh
Asia

Select Results

Workshop on the Digital Transformation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association: The Trade Activity conducted a series of workshops in four divisions—Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chattogram—to raise awareness and educate entrepreneurs on the streamlined processes for company registration using the digitized memorandum and articles of association. The participants also received previews of the smartRJSC platform.

USAID Takes Integrated Supply Chain Management Students to Chittagong Port for a Practical Demonstration of the Operations: The Trade Activity developed a curriculum to improve workforce competence in supply chain management. Three universities are currently offering the course–Chittagong Independent University (CIU), World University of Bangladesh, and East Delta University–and, altogether, 14 universities have signed an MoU with the Trade Activity. 

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Navigate Trade Licensing Reforms: The Trade Activity and Women Entrepreneurs Network for Development (WEND) organized eight stakeholder consultation workshops to discuss the changes in the trade licensing regime. The training sessions equipped women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the application process confidently.

WEND’s Founder and President, Dr. Nadia Binte Amin, stated, “The long expectation of all women entrepreneurs has been fulfilled through the implementation of unified, simplified, bilingual forms and multi-year license certificates across Bangladesh. Intensive research by WEND, in collaboration with the Trade Activity and Local Government Division, has made it possible for all entrepreneurs at unions, municipalities, and city corporation levels. It will not only reduce time and cost but also reduce the burden of the entrepreneurs.”

Areas of Expertise

Private Sector Development

Through targeted capacity-building efforts, including workforce skill enhancement, educational initiatives, and process modernization, the project has strengthened Bangladesh’s private sector to thrive in the global market. 

  • The Registry of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) introduced a new online system for creating Articles of Association (AOA). This significantly reduced the time and money required to register a company. Also, RJSC made changes to its facilities and processes to make company registration more accessible for women.
  • Conducted a series of workshops in four divisions—Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chattogram—to raise awareness and educate entrepreneurs on the streamlined processes for company registration using the digitized memorandum and AOA.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to develop an export training curriculum for food and agro-products, then delivered it to the State University of Bangladesh (SUB) for integration into their programs.

Enabling Environment

Through initiatives that support the business-enabling environment in Bangladesh—including the implementation of policies and regulations, advancement of digital systems, and achievement of key certifications and standards—the project has strengthened businesses across the country.

  • To help entrepreneurs register their businesses easily, we created video tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions on how to obtain trade licenses. These resources reduced the need for intermediaries and encouraged formal business registration.
  • Two laboratories—the Quality Control Laboratory of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and Dunlab Ltd—achieved ISO 17025 certifications with the Activity’s support, enabling farmers and producers to conduct tests locally instead of shipping goods abroad
  • Translated five International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures into Bangla for the Department of Agricultural Extension, making them accessible to local officials and farmers to understand their rights, responsibilities, and compliance measures.
  • Validated digitization models for advanced rulings and appeals, introducing online application tracking, e-payments, and virtual document archives to improve efficiency for applicants and the National Board of Revenue.

Trade Facilitation

Through capacity-building initiatives, developing essential guidelines, and delivering targeted training, the project has significantly enhanced Bangladesh’s ability to engage in global trade while ensuring compliance with international standards.

  • Published three editions of the Easy Export Series (#6-8) covering European Union food safety, sanitary, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations.
  • Trained 12 customs officials on the Harmonized System classification, enabling them to become in-house trainers for 200+ colleagues in revenue assessment and import/export operations.
  • Trained 25 frontline staff on WTO TFA compliance, customs procedures, and IT systems. This training improved coordination and reporting, streamlining customs clearance.
  • Created five videos to help exporters of fresh produce and processed food understand key topics like pesticide use, labeling, and traceability. The Export Promotion Bureau is using these videos on their YouTube channel to reach a wider audience.
  • Facilitated a study tour to Manila for Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association members, who gained valuable insights into improving container depot operations and forming international partnerships.

  • Project Status: Ongoing
  • Location: Bangladesh