Researchers at the Dutch organization Ex Tax Project have carried out a study to examine how tax reforms targeting natural resources and pollution might work in the Bangladesh textile industry. The report, titled ‘Tax as a Force for Good’, looks at infrastructures in which revenues are invested in clean technology, along with spending on combining industry advances with social programs targeted towards low income groups.

The report concludes that tax reforms could lead to higher GDP and employment levels, while lowering carbon emissions and energy imports, potential green tax revenues from a carbon tax are estimated at $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide by 2025 while oil and gas subsidies are phased out.

Scenarios targeted at the textile industry were used in the report because of its importance to Bangladesh’s exports; findings showed that a higher GDP, lower emissions and an increase in employment are all achievable.