United News of Bangladesh

The curtain rose on the 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) on Saturday as Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin formally inaugurated the month-long event at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center (CBFEC) in Purbachal, Rupganj. Describing the fair as a landmark in the country’s commercial journey, the commerce adviser said the Dhaka International Trade Fair is not merely a product exhibition but a comprehensive showcase of Bangladesh’s entrepreneurship, innovation and overall trade development. “The 30th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair is a milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s trade and commerce. It reflects our progress in business, industry and economic development, while highlighting our capacity to diversify production—from traditional handicrafts to modern, technology-driven products,” he said while addressing the opening ceremony in the morning. Bashir Uddin noted that Bangladesh has emerged as an important partner in global trade.  He said the core objectives of organising the international trade fair include export product development and diversification, access to new global markets, strengthening market connectivity, enhancing economic diplomacy, expanding international cooperation, improving the country’s global image and attracting foreign investment to achieve sustainable economic growth. He said  the fair plays a vital role in strengthening Bangladesh’s brand image and creating a positive perception of the country in the global arena. Highlighting the long-standing role of the fair, the commerce adviser said DITF has consistently served as a platform connecting producers with consumers, entrepreneurs with investors, and Bangladesh with the global marketplace. Referring to post-LDC graduation challenges, the adviser said that to sustain export growth, product development, diversification and exploration of new markets are crucial strategies. In this context, he mentioned that the first-ever “Global Sourcing Expo 2025 Dhaka” was organised at the same venue from December 1 to 3 last year, which helped introduce Bangladesh’s production and export capabilities to local and international buyers, visitors and importers.  Similar initiatives will continue once or multiple times a year, he added. Commerce Adviser underscored the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in making the trade fair successful.  Through showcasing quality, innovation and competitive strength of their products and services, entrepreneurs help project a positive image of the country, he said, adding that direct interaction with buyers, market analysis, negotiations and order placements enable them to gain tangible commercial benefits. He expressed optimism that participation in the fair would allow entrepreneurs to explore new markets, become familiar with international standards and technologies, and find opportunities for product development—thereby contributing significantly to export growth. Bashir Uddin also said the government is implementing multifaceted programmes to diversify export products. Based on export contribution and potential, various sectors have been declared as ‘Highest Priority Sectors’ and ‘Special Priority Sectors’. To further boost export promotion and incentives, one product is declared annually as the ‘Product of the Year’ to encourage its production and marketing.  “For 2026, ‘Paper and Packaging Products’ have been declared as the Product of the Year,” he announced. Originally scheduled to open on January 1, the inauguration of the trade fair was deferred to January 3 following the government’s declaration of three days of national mourning over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. This year’s fair has banned the use of polythene bags and single-use plastics. As an eco-friendly alternative, shopping bags will be supplied at subsidised rates through the Ministry of Jute and Textiles. According to the layout plan, a total of 324 pavilions, stalls and restaurants have been allocated to local manufacturers, exporters, general business entities and foreign companies participating in the fair.

The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is set to begin on Wednesday (January 1) at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre '' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the fair around 10 am at Purbachal, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin told a press briefing at the fair venue premises on Tuesday. Ride-sharing service provider Uber will offer discounts for visitors to the fair under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the event with the Export Promotion Bureau. Besides, the adviser inaugurated an e-ticketing app for fair entry. Like previous years, the fair is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). 3-day non-fiction book fair begins at Dhaka University This year, E-ticketing service will be introduced for the first time while a number of stalls and pavilions were allocated through online. Apart from the BRTC’s dedicated bus services, visitors can avail the opportunity of Uber at a discount price. Besides, July Chattar and Chattrish Chattar have been established at the fair venue as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made during the student-led mass movement. A Youth Pavilion has been set up to inspire the younger generation to engage in export trade. Meanwhile, a total of 361 pavilions/stalls/restaurants have been allocated to local producers, exporters, general businesses, and foreign companies through transparency. Different products including, textiles, machinery, cosmetics, electronics, furniture, leather goods, handicrafts, processed foods, home décor, and other items will be displayed for selling purpose at the fair. Besides, 11 companies from seven countries—India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia—are participating in the fair. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure security at the fair venue. Law enforcing members including Police, Armed Police Battalion, RAB, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement personnel will be deployed. Besides, CCTV cameras were installed at key locations and regular patrols around the venue. Anti-adulteration mobile court drives will be operated daily under the supervision of executive magistrates. A control room and information centre has been set up for overall monitoring and visitor assistance. The month-long fair will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM on weekends.

The Myanmar (Lashio)-China (Lincang) border trade fair is scheduled to be held in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw, the Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday. The four-day trade fair, jointly organized by Myanmar's commerce ministry and China's Lincang city government, will be held on May 25-28. "The trade fair is aimed at boosting trade relations between the two countries and strengthening interaction between traders of the two neighbors," Daw Naw Muta Kapaw, director-general of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization under the Ministry of Commerce, told Xinhua. "It is the first in-person Myanmar-China border trade fair since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic," the official said, adding that the trade fair was virtually held in the last two years due to the pandemic. The trade fair will feature more than 100 stalls, including more than 40 from China and about 70 from Myanmar, she said. Companies from China will exhibit their products including coffee and tea products, macadamia, instant foods, solar appliances, electrical appliances, kitchenware and other consumer products, while Myanmar's gems and jewelry, local produces, and products from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) will be on display. The last in-person Myanmar-China border trade fair took place in Lashio of Myanmar in November 2019.

A five-day trade fair, organized by Nepal Chamber of Commerce, was inaugurated at the Nepalese capital on Thursday. Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba inaugurated the event at the national exhibition hall of Kathmandu, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. READ: Last body found at crash site of Nepali plane Around 50 Bangladeshi traders - mostly women entrepreneurs - representing various sectors - such as garments, ceramics, handicrafts, jute and leather products are participating in the fair. Bangladesh has been designated as the country partner in this event, which is the first-ever international fair being organized in Nepal after the Covid pandemic, said the ministry. Bangladesh's participation is coordinated by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal in association with the SME Foundation of Bangladesh.   Presided over by President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajendra Malla, the inaugural ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury as special guest.

Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) will continue at Purbachal in compliance with health  protocols until a decision is made to close it, Commerce Ministry sources said. The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has not yet recommended closing of the fair, it will be closed if the committee suggests it, they said. Read: Dhaka International Trade Fair kicks off at Purbachal A senior official (export wing) of the ministry told UNB on Tuesday that the number of stalls has been reduced and the authorities will ensure mask wearing by visitors and maintenance of other guidelines including physical distancing. "We have a monitoring team at the fair premises to monitor whether the visitors are following the hygiene rules. Officials of the Export Promotion Bureau have been given the responsibility of monitoring through an office order,” he added. The government is going to implement 11-point restriction across the country from Thursday (January 13) as the coronavirus infections keep rising in the country. The 26th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair kicked off on January 1. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the fair at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC) at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital. The Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau have been organizing trade fairs since 1995. However, this is the first time the fair has been organised in a permanent fair complex. Read: Dhaka International Trade Fair begins Saturday in Purbachal BRTC buses have been arranged from Kuril Biswaroad to the fair venue for the convenience of general visitors. There are 30 special buses running from Kuril to the trade fair venue. The fare is Tk 30  per person. BRTC buses also run from Motijheel and Mirpur to the fair venue. A total of 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of different categories have been allotted to local and foreign companies in the trade fair.There were 11 foreign stalls participating in the fair.

Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) Omar Sadat has said a BGCCI business delegation will visit Germany early next year and plans are afoot  to hold a 'German Trade Fair' in May 2021.

Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria participated in the 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair there and received the “Best Foreign Participant Award.”

Although 13 days have passed by, the 25th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is yet to gain momentum due to poor turnout of buyers and visitors.