BEZIA Welcomes Budget Focus on Digital Loans and Investment Reforms

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors’ Association (BEZIA) has welcomed several technology-driven and investment-oriented measures proposed in the national budget for FY2026-27, describing the budget as broadly business-friendly and supportive of productive economic growth.

The observations came during BEZIA’s Executive Committee Meeting held on June 16, where members reviewed key provisions of the newly announced budget.

According to the association, the budget places significant emphasis on investment-led employment generation, ease of doing business, financial sector stability, energy security, skilled human resources and accountable institutions.

BEZIA particularly praised the introduction of digital e-loans of up to Tk 50,000, describing it as a positive step toward expanding access to finance for startups, small entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. The association said wider adoption of digital financial services would reduce transaction costs and improve business efficiency.

The investors’ body also highlighted the proposed 24-hour company registration process, profit repatriation facilities, back-to-back LC support for non-bonded 100 percent export-oriented companies and a nine-year VAT exemption for startups as major incentives for local and foreign investors.

The association noted that the introduction of plug-and-play industrial facilities would accelerate factory establishment and production in industrial parks and economic zones. It also welcomed the government’s commitment to expanding bilateral investment protection agreements and updating double taxation avoidance arrangements to strengthen investor confidence.

BEZIA further described the reduction of taxes, supplementary duties and regulatory duties on electric vehicles, agriculture, healthcare and semiconductor industries as important measures for promoting technology-driven industrial development.

At the same time, the association called for reinstating the previous 10-year graduated tax holiday for economic zone investors and restoring zero-duty benefits on imports of capital machinery and construction materials used in zone development.

The organization also urged the government to exempt zone enterprises from turnover-based minimum tax during their first five to seven years of commercial operation and to ensure transparent energy allocation and reliable gas and power supply schedules for operational economic zones.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to government officials, institutions and policymakers involved in preparing the national budget.

//DBtech/HA/EK//