Ideas That Move Trade Forward.
Op-eds in national newspapers, in-house research, policy publications, and expert videos - TRACE's full body of published work.
19
Total Insights
Why Bangladesh urgently needs an Electronic Trade Facilitation Act
Bangladesh’s rapid trade growth is constrained by fragmented, paper-based border processes that create delays and inefficiencies, risking global competitiveness. An Electronic Trade Facilitation Act (ETFA) would mandate full digitalization, streamline inter-agency coordination, and enable faster, transparent, and standards-aligned trade, critical for LDC graduation and WTO commitments.
From Red Tape to Fast Lanes: New import policy order could turbo-charge Bangladesh trade
Moving from blanket inspection to smart screening would let officers concentrate on genuine threats, protect public health, and keep the supply chain moving. Every day, the old system lingers, perishable
Unlocking Animal Health & Nutrition Ecosystems to Power National Growth
Bangladesh’s livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors are central to food security and economic growth, supported by a rapidly expanding animal health industry increasingly reliant on time-sensitive imports. Sustaining this growth requires efficient, predictable regulatory and trade systems to ensure uninterrupted access to critical inputs, reduce supply chain disruptions, and support rising domestic and global demand.
TRACE Consulting : Transforming Economies-Empowering Futures
TRACE Consulting bridges policy, technology, and trade innovation to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. We help governments, businesses, and communities enhance competitiveness through evidence-based strategies and digital solutions.
Let's Build Your Next-Generation Laboratory
TRACE Consulting delivers end-to-end laboratory solutions that transform food, agricultural, chemical, and diagnostic labs into globally compliant, high-performance testing facilities. By integrating accreditation, digital systems, and advanced methodologies, we enable precision, regulatory compliance, and enhanced market access through sustainable, future-ready laboratory ecosystems.
Import Regulations, Customs and Compliance Support for the Livestock Sector
TRACE Consulting provides specialized customs, compliance, and trade support services for the livestock sector, including import-export regulations, certification support, quality management systems, audit readiness, and regulatory consultancy for veterinary, feed, and related products. The firm also supports businesses in achieving international compliance standards and ensuring smooth market access through technical and strategic advisory services.
Strategic Quality, Customs, and Trade-related Consultancy for the Animal Health and Nutrition Sector
TRACE Consulting, a firm that assists the animal health and nutrition sector with international trade, customs, and quality compliance. The firm helps businesses and governments navigate complex regulations, implement international standards (like GMP, HACCP, and ISO), resolve customs disputes, and secure market access to reduce port delays and trade barriers.
Export Earnings Rose in April, But Long-Term Challenges Still Need Solutions
Competitiveness in today’s global market is increasingly driven by innovation, resilience, and strategic adaptability rather than low-cost production alone. The discussion focuses on how diversification, efficiency improvements, and proactive policy actions can support long-term economic stability and growth
Rising Fuel and LPG Prices: A Special Discussion on the Cost of Living
Bangladesh is experiencing growing economic strain as rising fuel prices continue to affect daily life and business operations. The discussion explores the impact on inflation and supply chains while underscoring the need for strategic policy reforms, market monitoring, and coordinated support mechanisms.
Why Are Gold Prices Rising, and What Should Investors Consider?
The historic rise in gold prices in Bangladesh underscores the growing influence of global economic conditions on local markets. The discussion highlights the frequent price hikes observed this year and examines key international drivers, including rising global gold prices, possible Fed rate cuts, and central bank buying trends. It also discusses the broader economic impact, particularly the shift of investors from equities toward more secure assets such as gold.
An In-Depth Discussion on Investment
The discussion focuses on the critical reforms needed to improve Bangladesh’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment. It highlights how policy predictability, investor-friendly regulations, digital “plug-and-play” environments, and reliable energy access can boost investor confidence and support sustainable economic growth.
Foreign Investment Increased by 202% in the Third Quarter
Bangladesh’s recent rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) presents a complex picture, with strong headline figures contrasting against ongoing concerns about the investment climate. The analysis highlights that much of the increase has been driven by reinvested earnings from existing investors rather than new greenfield investments. It also outlines structural challenges such as policy uncertainty, foreign exchange constraints, and regulatory barriers that continue to affect both new and local investors.
Impact of Trump Tariffs on the Garment Industry
Bangladesh’s export sector is facing mounting challenges as global demand weakens and competition intensifies. The discussion explores how declining demand in the US and aggressive pricing strategies by China and India are putting pressure on the RMG industry and overall export performance. It also highlights the risks associated with reliance on limited markets and products, calling for a more diversified and data-driven export strategy.
Advising the Use of Lobbyists to Revive the Economy: What Is the Process?
The discussion focuses on the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, particularly the impact of inconsistent policy messaging on global perception. It highlights the risks of sending mixed signals to investors and international partners, despite Bangladesh already meeting the UN graduation criteria. A confident and coordinated national strategy is presented as essential for strengthening economic diplomacy and ensuring sustainable economic progress.
Initiative for a Trade Agreement with the European Union
This video highlights the importance of an FTA to maintain duty-free access to the EU after LDC graduation. It explains the EU’s major role in Bangladesh’s exports and the risk of the RMG sector losing GSP+ benefits. The discussion also covers how an FTA can boost market access, investment, and technology transfer. It emphasizes the need to carefully manage labor, environmental, and IP-related conditions.
20% Tariff Set by the United States: What Will Be the Future Position of Bangladesh’s Export Products?
A discussion on Channel 24’s “Business 24” explored the future of Bangladesh’s exports amid the United States’ proposed 20% reciprocal tariff framework. The segment highlighted Bangladesh’s competitive position against rival exporting nations, post-LDC graduation trade challenges, and the growing importance of export diversification in the changing global trade environment.
Impact of Extended Radiation Testing Time on the Prices of Essential Goods
A discussion on Channel 24 examined how Bangladesh’s mandatory dual-stage radiation testing for imported food products is increasing import costs, causing delays, and contributing to higher prices of essential commodities. The segment also highlighted the need for science-based, internationally aligned import regulations to improve trade facilitation and reduce consumer costs.
US Tariff Pressure: What Path Lies Ahead for Bangladesh?
An analysis aired on Channel 24 examined the growing trade challenges facing Bangladesh amid proposed new U.S. tariff measures and increasing global trade pressures. The segment highlighted the country’s longstanding non-tariff barriers, slow trade facilitation reforms, export concentration in the RMG sector, and the urgent need for policy modernization and export diversification to strengthen Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.
Government Target: Achieving a Trillion-Dollar Economy by 2034
A discussion on Bangladesh’s strategic pathway toward achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, emphasizing the need for structural reforms, institutional efficiency, banking sector resilience, export diversification, and compliance-driven industrial transformation. The discussion further highlighted the importance of effective policy implementation, regulatory accountability, and productivity-led competitiveness to ensure sustainable long-term economic growth and global market integration.