DITF exhibitors fear losses as weekdays see fewer visitors

Low turnout of visitors on weekdays at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is instilling fear of possible losses in exhibitors as they struggle to achieve sales targets despite offering huge discounts.

The sellers said dwindling purchasing power of consumers, unfavourable weather and an inconvenient venue is resulting in fewer visitors at the fair.

Owners and employees of various companies said they were unable to attract customers despite displaying innovative products and offering discounts between 5-50 per cent based on quality and design.

Talking to The Business Post, Humayun Kabir, proprietor of Laaibah Ruti Maker, said he set up several stalls in the fair expecting huge sales. “But, two weeks on, we have not been able to sell our products as per our expectation. We might have to suffer a loss this year.”

Humayun said his products were selling between Tk2,250-4,000 based on quality.

Md Moniruzzaman, proprietor of RingGO Ruti Maker, spoke of similar conditions as Humayun. “We saw good sales on holidays but we are not seeing many customers on the weekdays.”

Farjana Haque, the pavilion-in-charge of Navana Furniture expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of foreign buyers. “The foreign buyers do not come here since the fair venue was shifted from Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to Purbachal. So, we are not getting export orders.”

Meanwhile, Saif Muhammad Salman, proprietor of Izma Brand that sells jute goods, said they were receiving good customers on holidays particularly on weekends - Friday and Saturday. Other than that, sales have been low throughout the week.

“However, we are expecting good sales in the next few days of the fair,” he added.

He also complained that the space in front of his stall was narrow and cannot accommodate many visitors.

AHM Ahsan, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Export Promotion Bureau, said the bureau organises the fair every year for both local and foreign producers to showcase their products and services.

He said, “I hope that the 27th DITF will contribute to creating demand for Bangladeshi products and services in international markets and increasing exports.”

In the 26th DITF last year, Bangladesh received export orders worth only $16m compared to $2 billion worth of export orders fetched in the 25th edition held at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Organisers expect to reach that height this year too.

This year’s DITF, being held at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal in Dhaka, is hosting a total of 331 stalls, including 17 by foreign entrepreneurs from 10 countries.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in collaboration with the commerce ministry has been organising the DITF since 1995. Up to 25 editions, the DITF was organised at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.