HATIL Chairman Receives Prestigious CIP Award for Furniture Exports

Selim H. Rahman, Chairman and Managing Director of HATIL, a leading furniture manufacturer in Bangladesh, was honored with the Commercially Important Person (CIP) award on Wednesday for his pioneering role in boosting the country’s furniture exports.

The award ceremony, held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, was graced by the presence of Mr. Ahsanul Islam Titu, MP, Hon’ble State Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, as the chief guest.

A total of 184 individuals were recognized as CIPs for the year 2022 under the Commodity Export and Trade category, as per the CIP (Export) Policy 2013, acknowledging their significant contributions to Bangladesh’s industrial growth. 

The Ministry of Commerce released a gazette on April 3rd detailing the list of CIPs and their associated privileges.

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Selim H. Rahman expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am delighted to receive the CIP award in the furniture export category. However, this achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of every person associated with HATIL, both in Bangladesh and abroad.”

HATIL’s furniture journey commenced in 1989, initially manufacturing doors before diversifying into residential, commercial, and industrial furniture production. Today, HATIL operates 77 outlets across Bangladesh, 16 in India, and 2 in Bhutan, exporting its products to markets such as America, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, and various Southeast Asian countries.

Despite its remarkable success, the furniture industry in Bangladesh faces challenges, as highlighted by Mr. Rahman. The absence of a backward linkage industry necessitates the import of raw materials, and high import duties strain competitiveness, despite the exceptional quality of the products.

“The government’s industry-friendly policies, sustainable initiatives, and the goodwill and efforts of entrepreneurs like us can further improve our position in the global market,” Rahman stated.

The CIP award recognizes the significant contributions of individuals and organizations to the country’s export sector, promoting economic growth and development.