|
Bangladesh Tariff Commission (BTC) is a statutory autonomous organization of the government which works for the protection of genuine interests of local industries facing unfair competition from foreign firms. Any matter relating to protection of or assistance to domestic industries or efficient use of resources in any industry may be referred to the Commission by the government or the business community for recommendations on appropriate course of action. The Commission also advises the government on inducing greater competition in industrial production; encouraging efficient use of resources in the economy, obtaining greater market access through bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements; and taking remedial measures against dumping and other unfair trade practices in respect of imports into Bangladesh. The Commission is obliged to look into any matter referred to by the government.
An organization named Tariff Commission was established as a Directorate under the Ministry of Commerce on July 28, 1973 by an executive order of the government. The objectives of the Tariff Commission included the protection of indigenous industries, economising the use of scarce foreign exchange and increasing local employment. The remit of the Commission also included making specific recommendations to the government for the protection of consumers' interests. The Tariff Commission acted as a Directorate of the government up to November 5, 1992 under the Protective Duties Act, 1950.
The Commission was re-organised as a statutory body under Bangladesh Tariff Commission Act 1992. With the coming into force of the Act, it was renamed Bangladesh Tariff Commission. As a statutory body the Commission became an autonomous agency under the administrative umbrella of the Ministry of Commerce.
The relentless drive for globalisation of the world economy and multilateral trade disciplines are posing new and difficult challenges for government policy making. The Commission advises the government in charting courses in this complex international environment to safeguard the interests of the national economy.
| 
