DHAKA, Jan 5, 2019 (BSS) – The export of furniture is getting a boost as it
accounted for $33.72 million during the first six months (July-December) of
the current fiscal year which is also 40.56 percent higher than the
corresponding period of the previous fiscal.
The export of furniture during the July-December period of the last fiscal
year totaled $23.99 million, according to the latest statistics of the Export
Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The EPB data showed that the furniture export fetched $63.18 million in
the last fiscal year while the strategic export target of furniture for the
current fiscal year is $70 million.
The industry insiders said that the local furniture is gradually getting
popularity among the foreigners for its qualitative standard and time
befitting design. As a result, the country’s furniture industry has advanced
a lot over the last one decade due to innovation in designs.
Bangladeshi furniture is now being exported to the Middle Eastern
countries alongside UK, USA, Japan, Australia, India, Russia and some South-
East Asian countries.
Talking to BSS, Bangladesh Furniture Exporters’ Association President KM
Akhtaruzzaman said that the quality of Bangladeshi furniture is very good due
to newer designs, standard wood and the efficiency of furniture workers.
“Higher growth in furniture export has lit the light of hope in boosting
overall exports while Bangladesh is also joining the list of highest
furniture export-oriented countries,” he said demanding of the government to
reduce import duty on some necessary raw materials to take ahead further this
furniture industry.
Director General of EPB Abhijit Chowdhury told BSS that the furniture
industry got due importance in the 7th Five Year Plan to make furniture as a
permanent export item.
He also informed that steps have been taken to create new markets abroad
for the Bangladeshi furniture.