Bangladesh Launches High-Tech Trade Era with Single Window System and Webb Fontaine Partnership 

June 21, 2023 – Bangladesh is set to revolutionize its foreign trade processes with the implementation of the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), a high-tech platform developed by the Dubai-based Webb Fontaine Group. Funded largely by the World Bank and the government of Bangladesh, this Tk 5.85 billion project aims to dramatically reduce trade time and costs through paperless processing. 

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has partnered with Webb Fontaine, a leader in trade facilitation solutions utilizing advanced technology like AI, for this transformative initiative. The agreement includes software and hardware support, establishing a data center, and integrating 19 government entities, including BEPZA and BEZA, into the streamlined export-import process. 

A key component of this project, set to be operational by 2026, is the creation of an automated risk management system and the BSW software solution, enhancing the efficiency of customs operations. The BSW, connecting with 18 government ICT systems, is expected to serve around 700,000 users, handling about 8 million transactions annually. 

This initiative, part of the Bangladesh Regional Connectivity Project-1, aligns with Bangladesh’s commitment to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and is poised to significantly expedite trade, foster economic growth, and establish a more favorable business environment.