182 honoured with CIP status

The government on Wednesday honoured 182 businesspersons with the CIP (commercially important person) status in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country's economy.

They were nominated for the award for the year 2017 in trade and export categories.

Of the awardees, 136 received the accolades for exporting 17 varieties of products and 46 others as the ex-officio members of the apex trade body, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi handed over the CIP cards to the businesspersons at a function jointly organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the commerce ministry at a city hotel.

Appreciating the businesspeople for their contribution to the economy, Mr Munshi said the country's export receipts have stood at $46 billion due to their relentless efforts.

He also expressed the hope that the country would be able to achieve the target of $60 export earnings by 2021.

More businesspersons should be recognised as CIPs in consistent with increasing trade and export volumes, he suggested.

Speaking on the occasion, Tofail Ahmed, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on commerce, suggested that Mr Munshi should be very careful and take required measures to receive the status of GSP Plus from the EU after the elimination of the existing zero-duty benefit in 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Abdus Salam Murshedy, managing director of Envoy Group and also a member of parliament, hailed the government for recognising the businesspeople.

New challenges are looming for the business, he said, adding that the government should take time-befitting decision to take the business forward.

He also suggested enhancing institutional capacity, improving both private and public research and reducing dependence on a few exportable items.

He, however, regretted that the CIP awardees on many occasions didn't get the services they are entitled to as the authorities concerned do not have the updated CIP awardees' lists.

He requested the commerce ministry to look into the matter.

FBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim said Bangladesh, as an emerging economy, has some challenges which the private and public sectors can address through discussion.

He, however, didn't elaborate on the challenges.

Commerce secretary Dr Jafar Uddin and EPB vice chairman Fatima Yasmin also spoke.

The CIPs are entitled to special privileges and facilities. They will get special passes to enter the secretariat, special stickers for their cars and get invitations to join some public functions.

They will get priority in seat reservations in airlines, trains and other public transport and get letters of introduction from the foreign ministry for travelling abroad.

They and their dependants will also get cabins in hospitals on a priority basis.

munni_fe@yahoo.com