DITF starts today

Ten countries are participating in the Dhaka International Trade Fair scheduled to start on Sunday at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal in Dhaka, said Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the month-long 27th edition of the trade fair. All the necessary preparations have already been completed, he said while addressing a press conference at BBCFEC on Saturday.

The commerce ministry and Export Promotion Bureau jointly organised the press conference marking the opening of the trade fair.

Tipu Munshi said that the DITF is playing an important role in local and international trade. This fair is not organised for profit. In last year’s trade fair, the country’s entrepreneurs received export orders worth Tk 200 crore.

The minister said, “Although the permanent exhibition centre is a little far away from the centre of the capital, the buyers and sellers participating in the fair have shown great interest. Through this fair, we get the chance to present the products made in the country to both domestic and foreign visitors. Buyers also get a chance to compare domestic products with foreign ones. As a result, the quality of local products improves.”

“The main purpose of this trade fair is to present the products made in the country to international buyers. Exports are increasing every year due to improved product quality and lower prices. Local entrepreneurs exceeded the export target last year also,” he said, adding, “Special initiatives have been taken to increase the export of 10 other products in addition to the main export product of readymade garments. Among them, ICT is a very potential sector for us.”

Expecting that the export of ICT products will be $4-5 billion in a short time, the minister said, “The demand for light engineering products is also increasing in the global market. Overall, the country's exports are increasing.”

In reply to a query, Tipu Munshi said, “We have taken steps regarding the quality and price of food products in the fair. Food prices will be fixed. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection will conduct raids at the fair. The police administration has taken necessary measures to ensure security at the fairground.”

“Special bus services have been arranged for the convenience of the visitors like last year. Initially, 70 BRTC buses will run from Kuril Biswa Road to the exhibition centre. If necessary, this number will be increased. The bus fare has been fixed at Tk 35,” he added.