Bangladesh should immedi ately strengthen the customs administration with informs tion technology facilities and amend the Customs Act. 1969 to ensure a speedy customs Crocedure to comply with the ruguay Round Agreements

This was observed by participants at a seminar yesterday on different agreements of the Uruguay Round At the seminar businessmen economists and experts observed that adoption of the Agreement on Customs Valuation will Improve the overall business environment of the country.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and the Dhaka Chamber ol Commerce and Industry, the last day of I he two day seminar was par tlcipated. among others, by Chairman of the National Board of Revenue Dr Sadat Hussain Consultant of the Uruguay Round Study Project of the Commerce Ministry Dr M M H Joardar All Ahmed of NBR Manzoor Ahmed of the SAPTA and WTO Standing Committed and former president of DCCI A Rab Chowdhury

Speaking on the Agreement on Customs Valuation Dr Joardar said that the cuatoma authorities of the country de fine value of export or Imports as per an old standard known as Brussels" definition whereas the Uruguay Round Agreement on Customa Value tion adopted a modern definltion known as "GAT valuation."

The concept of fixing the tariff value of goods is extremely old and does not correspond to the ever growing and changing international trade situation." Dr Joardar said in a paper presented at the seminar.

He, however, noted that Bangladesh notified its intention of delaying the application of the Customs Valuation Agreement up to December 1999. He said the country should gradually adopt the provisions of the agreement.

From January 1. 2000, few items which are less risky from the revenue collection and execution point of view might be brought under the implementation of the agreement. It may be gradually expanded towards full implementation. the Commerce Ministry consultant added.

Since a big chunk of revenue earning of Bangladesh comes from customs duties, implementation of the Agreement might affect this earning, he said and suggested the NBR to undertake a programme for risk assessment.’

He also said that to implement the provisions of the Agreement, the Customs Administration would require information concerning price, quality, trade and business of goods imported in Bangladesh which are available through bulletins. Journals and on-line computer networks.

"Adequate funds have to be allocated to procure these information materials," he added.

Customs officials will have to be adequately trained to acquaint themselves with the new system so that it can be implemented on a day-to-day basis with adequate professional support, he noted.