Furniture export sees 40.56pc growth in H1

The export of furniture increased 40.56 per cent to US$ 33.72 million during the first six months (July-December) of the current fiscal year (FY) as compared to the corresponding period of the previous FY.

The export of furniture during the first half of the last FY totaled $ 23.99 million, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), reports BSS.

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 FY 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.

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 said 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.