Dhaka, Sept. 11 -- The government has decided to waive the 7.5% VAT on imports of ocean-going vessels over 5,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) in a bid to boost foreign exchange earnings and create more job opportunities.

The Council of Advisers took the decision at its weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

The Council of Advisers believes that exemption will encourage vessel procurement in both the public and private sectors, expand opportunities for foreign exchange earnings and generate new jobs, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder wa...