CHITTAGONG: Green Channel for facilitating speedy delivery of import consignments of hundred-percent export-oriented readymade garment factories still remains in the grey zone as a far-fetched dream.

"Though the National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced the facility and an office order was issued regarding this in 2007, it is yet to be in place," said one business source.    

Sources said only two organizations received the facility under the process, but the NBR offered 79 garment factories of Dhaka and Chittagong the green-channel facility.   

Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Chittagong Customs House are locked into a blame game over the lapses.
According to the directives of NBR, only the factories which have clean track record would be awarded the free-wheeling facility, said the competent source.  

Besides, the garment owners said releasing products through green-channel process is more difficult than normal process.

Moreover, it takes comparatively more time to deliver products than through normal process and none is interested to use the green channel for strict terms and conditions and excessive formalities, they alleged.  

Mohammad Nasiruddin Chowdhury, first Vice-president of BGMEA, told banglanews24.com.bd that everybody would be interested about it if the facilities had been arranged effectively.

BGMEA Director Liakat Ali Chowdhury said all information of factories is kept with Chittagong Bond Commissionerate.

The customs authority could select renowned organizations to activate the facility, he suggested.

"No need to impose strict terms and conditions for execution of the facility," he said.  

Additional Commissioner of Chittagong Customs House Mohammad Mahbubuzzaman said, "We asked for a list of factories fulfilling the criteria."

In spite of holding several meetings, BGMEA leaders are not giving importance to the matter, he added.  

BDST: 1510 HRS, AUGUST 17, 2010