182 to get CIP awards tomorrow

The government has nominated as many as 182 businesspersons as CIPs (commercially important persons) for the year 2017 in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country's economy, officials said.

They will be awarded CIP cards in export and trade categories at a ceremony at a city hotel tomorrow (Wednesday).

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will be present at the award giving ceremony.

Of the awardees, 136 businesspersons will receive the CIP status in the export category and 46 others from different business chambers and trade bodies in the trade category as ex-officio members.

A total of 283 businesspersons had submitted applications seeking nomination for the CIP status for the year 2017.

The CIPs are entitled to various privileges and facilities.

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 will get special passes to enter the secretariat, special stickers for their cars and get invitations to attend some public functions.

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

A total of 178 businesspersons were selected for the CIP status for the year 2016.

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