Bangladesh’s integration into the global trade regime is largely attributed to the robustness of its export performance, particularly that by the export-oriented manufacturing industries. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accounting for more than 90 per cent of the total industrial units, and having a share of 12 per cent to 40 per cent of total export earnings, any attempt to facilitate trade procedures is likely to have a significant impact on this group of businesses. Thus, the application and optimal use of information technology (IT) is regarded to be of critical importance in efforts to (a) improve the competitiveness of industries by reducing unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and harmonizing relevant processes while (b) ensuring that the country is in compliance with international norms and practices introduced by such organizations as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).