Let’s hear about your career so far. When did you get into Fu-Wang Ceramic?
On 1st June 2000, immediately following my post-graduation, I embarked on a journey with the Fu-Wang Group as a commercial officer. The conglomerate, backed by Taiwanese sponsorship and foreign investments, boasted numerous departments, each offering unique growth opportunities.
Eager to broaden my horizons, I immersed myself in various roles within the organization, despite my initial lack of experience and expertise.
Determined to excel, I actively participated in seminars and meetings, seizing every opportunity to expand my knowledge base. Over the past 24 years, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to my profession, fueled by an unwavering passion for excellence.
Could you give us a lowdown on Fu-Wang Ceramic?
Established on 31st May 1995, Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Ltd stands as a pioneer in the ceramic sector of Bangladesh. With over 28 years of relentless commitment to manufacturing and selling excellence, we have continually transformed the landscape of the industry, enriching its product mix and aligning with customer demand.
Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Limited’s commitment to delivering top-tier products led to the launch of a prestigious brand named ‘Picasso’. These brands stand as testaments to the industry’s dedication to high-quality raw materials, aesthetic design themes, and cutting-edge interior design concepts. The trust of users has been the cornerstone of Fu-Wang’s success, leading to the attainment of the ISO-9002 Certificate on November 4, 1998. This recognition underlines the industry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in its offerings.
What is the current export portfolio of Fu-Wang Ceramic like? Are there any challenges in the way of your global ambitions?
We previously engaged in exports to India, Taiwan, South Africa, America and Canada. However, due to the overwhelming demand in our local market, we are presently unable to continue exporting. Additionally, the current global economic unrest and significant disruptions in sea routes, coupled with escalating freight rates, have posed formidable challenges to our export operations.
As CEO of the company, what do you think are the company’s biggest strengths that have allowed it to grow so much since it was established?
Fu-Wang Ceramic stands at the lead of the ceramic industry, dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services that consistently exceed the expectations of a diverse clientele.
With a rich history of innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality, we have firmly established ourselves as a trusted choice for customers who demand the very best in ceramic solutions.
Fu-Wang Ceramic takes pride in serving a diverse and satisfied clientele in the ceramic industry. Our commitment to innovation and quality has earned us the trust of a wide range of customers who demand top-notch ceramic solutions.
Our client base is healthy and continues to grow, thanks to our rich product mix, unparalleled sales services, and a dedicated sales team. Many of our customers not only make repeat purchases but also recommend us to others, contributing to the strength of our client list.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Bangladesh is well on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2041. What do you think Fu-Wang Ceramic’s role could be in the future?
We annually contribute taxes and VAT to the government, with our contributions increasing in tandem with our sales volume.
Local industries fulfill 85% of consumer needs, with imported goods satisfying the remaining demand. As Bangladesh grapples with LC and foreign exchange crises, Fu-Wang is stepping in by substituting imported tiles, thus meeting client demands without relying on imports and fostering economic growth.
Unemployment stands as a critical challenge in our nation today. Fu-Wang Institute graduates numerous students annually. As manufacturers in the ceramic industry, we offer employment opportunities to these graduates through rigorous training and selection processes.
This initiative not only addresses the unemployment crisis but also contributes to the country’s economic development. 
What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading Fu-Wang Ceramic?
The most rewarding aspect of leading Fu-Wang Ceramic has been the opportunity to contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s economic growth and development. By providing quality products and services, we have not only satisfied the needs of our customers but also played a vital role in supporting local industries and reducing dependence on imports.
Additionally, creating employment opportunities through our operations, especially for graduates of Fuwang Institute, has been immensely fulfilling. Witnessing the positive impact our company has on the community, both economically and socially, has been the most gratifying part of leading Fu-Wang Tiles.
Fu-Wang Ceramic is also involved with a lot of CSR activities. Could you shed light on this aspect?
At Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry, our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of our corporate philosophy. We believe in giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve. One of our key CSR initiatives is providing support to educational institutes, hospitals, and mosques through special discounts on our products.
Education is the cornerstone of societal progress, and we are proud to contribute to this cause. We offer special discounts on our ceramic products to educational institutes, including schools, colleges, and universities.
‘Fu-Wang Tiles Model School’ is an esteemed educational institution nestled in the heart of Begumpur, Bhabanipur, Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur. It is a living example of how businesses can play a pivotal role in uplifting the communities they are a part of and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
To support the healthcare sector, we extend special pricing to hospitals and medical facilities for our ceramic products.
We offer special discounts on our ceramic products for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of mosques and other religious sites. We are actively involved in community outreach programs and initiatives that foster unity and well-being among the congregants.
In addition to our support for educational institutions, hospitals, and mosques, we also prioritize environmental responsibility as part of our CSR efforts. At Fu-Wang Ceramic, our ETP plant is an integral part of our CSR initiatives. In summary, our ETP plant is a testament to Fu-Wang Ceramic’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
What is the future growth plan of the company?
Our aim is to ramp up our production to meet both local demand and expand into export markets. Central to our current strategy is the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the quality of our offerings. Our goal is to deliver premium-quality products at competitive prices. Looking ahead, we envision Fu-Wang Ceramics becoming the foremost brand in the country, making it the top choice for consumers across the nation.
What are the company’s vision and mission?
At Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Ltd., our mission is to be a leading provider of high-quality tiles that enhance the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of spaces. We are committed to:
1. Delivering innovative and aesthetically pleasing tile solutions that meet the diverse needs of our customers.
2. Upholding the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in our manufacturing processes.
3. Providing exceptional customer service and fostering enduring partnerships with clients, suppliers, and employees.
4. Supporting the growth and well-being of our community through responsible business practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Our dedication to these principles guides our daily operations and propels us toward achieving excellence in the tile manufacturing industry.
To be the leader in tile manufacturing and design, Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Ltd. envisions a future where our tiles grace the most inspiring spaces. Our vision includes:
1. Innovating and expanding our product lines to offer a comprehensive range of tiles that cater to the evolving needs of our clients and markets.
2. Setting new industry standards for quality, sustainability, and design, thereby reshaping the tile manufacturing landscape.
3. Establishing a network of partnerships and collaborations that foster creativity, knowledge sharing, and growth in the industry.
4. Being a driving force in the transformation of spaces, promoting beauty, functionality, and sustainability in every project we touch.
At Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Ltd., we work tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality, and in doing so, we aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.
What is Fu-Wang Ceramic’s client base like?
Our primary focus is on exceeding customer expectations and continuously refining our products to meet their specific needs. Our clientele spans across the middle class to the elite, and we have consistently met the requirements of middle-class consumers.
However, for the discerning elite who often opt for imported goods, we are dedicated to offering domestic alternatives. Through our efforts, we aim to supplant imported products, leveraging our newly introduced Picasso brand.
Notably, our recent achievement in producing mirror-polished items has been instrumental in successfully replacing imported equivalents.
What were the constraints or challenges faced during this company’s journey?
The tile industry has undergone a notable evolution, transitioning from a once-luxurious indulgence to a fundamental necessity in modern construction.
Initially, our journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in securing access to raw materials. Initially, our reliance on a mine spanning 30 acres in Netrokona, leased from the government, proved promising until technical complications forced its closure.
Consequently, we turned to international markets, importing essential materials from India, Malaysia, China, and Thailand.
Environmental concerns prompted some countries, such as Indonesia, to cease supplying raw materials due to the ecological impact of mining. Presently, our foremost hurdle lies in the inability to secure Letters of Credit (LC) due to the prevailing economic crisis in our country.
Moreover, the scarcity of natural gas, another vital resource in our industry, poses a significant challenge. In response, we’ve embarked on extensive research endeavors aimed at developing local alternatives for these essential materials, successfully reducing our dependence on imports.
