DITF begins 1 January, 17 foreign organisations take part

The 27th Dhaka International Trade Fair-2023 is set to begin at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre on January 1 at Purbachal in the capital Dhaka.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the month-long fair.

Along with local stalls, some 17 organisations from 10 countries will take part in the fair.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi came up with the information in a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Export Development Bureau at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center on Saturday (December 31).

He said, DTIF plays an important role in our domestic and international trade. This fair is not organized for profit. Spot orders for export of products worth Tk 200 crores were received in the fair last year.

Commerce Minister said although the permanent exhibition center is a little far away, there has been a lot of interest from buyers and sellers. Through this fair, we get the opportunity to present our products to the local and foreign people. Buyers also get a chance to compare domestic and foreign products. It also improves product quality. The main objective of this international trade fair is to present the products of Bangladesh in the international market.

He further said our exports are increasing every year due to better quality of our products and lower prices. Exports exceeded the target last year as well. Special initiatives have been taken to increase the export of 10 other products besides ready-made garments, our main export product. Among them, ICT is a very promising product for us. Exports in this sector are expected to reach USD 4 to 5 billion in a few days. The demand for light engineering products is also increasing in the global market. Overall our exports are increasing.

In reply to queries of the journalists, the minister said, we have taken steps regarding the quality and price of food products in the fair. The price of food products will be fixed. Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection will conduct raids at fairs. Police administration has taken necessary measures to ensure that there is no security disturbance during the journey to the fair. Arrangements will be made for the convenience of transportation to the fair as last time. Initially 70 BRTC buses will ply from Kuril Biswaroad to Exhibition Centre. Number of buses will be increased if necessary. The bus fare has been fixed at Tk 35. Buses will ply during the fair. The fair will be open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, the fair will remain open till 10:00 pm on the weekly closing days. This year the entry fee for the fair has been fixed at Tk 40 for adults and Tk 20 for minors. 50 percent discount will be available if you buy fair tickets online. About 1000 car parking arrangements have been kept at the fair.

Mentionable, there are 17 pavilions, mini pavilions and stalls for foreign companies in the fair. There are a total of 331 stalls, pavilions and mini pavilions outside the two halls for domestic and foreign companies.