DHAKA: Bangladesh is importing huge amount of low quality papers though it has ability to produce and meet local demand and in some cases exporting high quality papers to abroad.

A section of illegal businessmen is importing foreign papers in the name of bonded warehouse facility with the help of some corrupted customs officials. As a result, native paper companies are losing market to foreign paper which contains lower quality than native papers.

Some top level officers of National Board of Revenue (NBR) are helping the importers to purchase lower quality papers causing a red signal to the local paper industry.

An investigation has found that native paper companies have ability to produce few times much meeting local market demand. In this case, paper importing is suicidal.

Imported papers are being sold lower price in the market as these are being imported by dodging tax and duty. As a result, local paper industries losing market and it have become so tough for them to sustain in the market.

According to Bangladesh Paper Mills Association (BPMA) at present 67 public and private papers mills are producing papers. These 76 mills have ability to produce 10 lakhs tons papers against seven-lakh tons local demand.

Mills owners think there is no need to import foreign papers as they have ability to produce and supply quality papers to the consumers.

On June 1, SK Industries of Chittagong, imported huge amount of papers by dodging tax and duty under the bonded warehouse facility through Benapole Border.

Another importer Touch Pack imported 100 ton papers in the same way from Indian market which consignment has already reached at Chittagong port.

In this circumstance, local paper mills owners demanded to stop paper importing from abroad as they can stay in the market and boost employment and county’s economy.

BDST: 1332 HRS, JUN 18, 2014