Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said the government is actively considering the proposal made by apparel makers for reduction of their corporate tax as the finance minister has in principle given his consent to this effect. “The finance minister in principle has agreed to reduce the existing 35 per cent corporate tax,” he said while speaking at a certificate distribution programme organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at its headquarters in the city on Monday. Describing the government as business-friendly, the commerce minister said that is why it renders all possible support to them. At least 29 people of former enclaves received training certificates, allowances and appointment letters from the minister. Mim Sweater, Oriental Wool Wear and Odessa Sweater have recruited eight, seven and 15 workers respectively after they received training under Skills for Employment Investment Programme (SEIP) funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under the SEIP, some 43,800 entry to midlevel garment workers will be trained in the first phase while 70,000 more workers will be trained later, he added.
