The October 2021 issue of Thinking Aloud focuses on “Emerging Trade Issues and Trade Policy Reform in Bangladesh”. The first page article titled “Rethinking the Import Policy Order of Bangladesh” reiterates that the upcoming Import Policy Order (IPO) 2021-24 should focus more on the development aspects against the revenue generation motive of the past IPOs. Critically reviewing the past IPOs, the article concludes that, among other issues, policy harmony, inter-agency coordination, ease of customs procedure, capacity building, concrete mention of penalties for contravention, and ease of import-related activities for women or increasing gender sensitivity are critical issues that need careful consideration in the upcoming IPO 2021-24. The second and third pages of this issue present two more articles drawing on the export policy and LDC graduation scenario of the imminent decade in the context of Bangladesh. The article titled “The need for a dynamic export policy in Bangladesh” examines the gains https://www.therapyheals.ca/xanax-1mg/ from the export policies of the past and the future challenges in the present context which includes the pandemic related disruptions, LDC graduation along with the inevitable fourth Industrial Revolution. The article further suggests that the export policy should be aligned with the broader development goals of Bangladesh, laid in the Perspective Plan, and the eighth five year plan. The third article on “Navigating through the new trade regimes: Impact of the LDC graduation on Bangladesh economy” focuses particularly on the impact of the LDC graduation and fully operationalised mega trading blocs such as RCEP and CPTPP on sectoral and total exports and Bangladesh economy. The article recommends that Bangladesh should focus on increasing infrastructural and institutional capacity enhancement on trade negotiations, restructuring tariffs, redesigning customs protocols, etc., for sustainable trade growth. The fourth page draws attention to the events in September 2021.
