Bangladesh Bank (BB) has extended the Foreign Currency (FC)-Taka swap facility to exporters operating in the country's specialized economic zones. This move aims to help these exporters access short-term Taka liquidity while retaining their foreign currency holdings. The central bank issued a circular today allowing Authorized Dealers (ADs) to execute FC-Taka swap arrangements against unencumbered balances maintained in eligible foreign currency accounts of exporters.
Facility Details and Eligibility
Under the new facility, exporters will be able to meet local operational expenses, including wages and utility bills, without permanently converting their foreign currency holdings. This improves liquidity management while preserving foreign exchange for future international obligations. The facility is available to exporters in Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Private Export Processing Zones (PEPZs), Economic Zones (EZs), and High-Tech Parks (HTPs).
Expansion of Previous Directives
This latest directive expands the scope of FE Circular No. 41 issued on November 3, 2025, which had limited FC-Taka swap arrangements to balances held in 30-day pool and Export Retention Quota (ERQ) accounts. Bangladesh Bank stated that the measure also complements the provisions of FE Circular No. 31 dated July 1, 2025, under which industrial enterprises in specialized zones were authorized to maintain the foreign currency accounts that are now eligible for the swap facility.
Unchanged Provisions
The central bank assured that all other provisions of the previous circulars will remain unchanged. This means that while the swap facility has been expanded, existing rules and regulations concerning foreign exchange management will continue to apply.
Significance for Exporters
The introduction of the FC-Taka swap facility is significant for exporters in specialized zones as it allows them to manage their liquidity more effectively. By retaining foreign currency holdings, exporters can better meet their international financial obligations while ensuring smooth local operations. This facility is expected to boost the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports by providing necessary financial flexibility.
