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The Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2024 kicks off at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the Purbachal area. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 28th iteration of this event.
Visitors will be able to utilise the metro rail and elevated expressway to get to the DITF, and the capital’s Farmgate will serve as the transportation hub, said State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu while addressing a press conference at this venue on Saturday.
He added, “Our goal is to boost revenue by diversifying the export basket. We want to reduce dependency on the readymade garment sector, and work on diversifying other locally produced products.
“Under a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are giving special focus on jute and leather industries. Both these sectors show significant potential. Even if the prime minister announces a product of the year, we will work on these two industries throughout the year.”
Titu pointed out, “It was possible to increase exports six-fold in the last 15 years. We do not want to stop here. If we can achieve product diversification, the export revenue would exceed $100 billion. There is no alternative to raising the country’s exports.
“Without a stronger export industry, we will not be able to increase our foreign currency income. Our key strategy will be boosting employment opportunities in the country, and exports.”
It should be noted that from the next season, a hall will be dedicated only to manufacturers at the DITF.
In the lobby of the exhibition centre, a replica of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s home can be found. Organisers said that the replica will serve as a special attraction for the DITF visitors.
Speaking at the press brief, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman AHM Ahsan said, “We have allocated 350 stalls among the local and international entrepreneurs, among them 18 are from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Singapore and Malaysia.
“To ensure consumers rights, an executive magistrate will present in the month-long fair venue.”
A special DITF bus service will carry visitors from Farmgate to the venue through expressways.
Visiting the venue, The Business Post found colourful stalls allocated to the premium quality goods manufacturers such as Walton, SME foundation, Joyeeta and Hatil. Though these manufacturers are export-oriented, they are focusing on local consumers in the DITF.
Rest of the stalls has been allocated to local entrepreneurs. Many of them also have permanent businesses in Dhaka New Market, Chawkbazar, and Bangabazar. Most of the stalls were still under construction at the time of the spot visit.
There is an absence of stalls carrying key export-oriented items such apparel, jute and jute goods, leather and leather goods, and footwear. But many local products of such items can be found at the DITF.
The venue area is 3,55,000 square feet, where the beautiful exhibition centre stands at 1,66,300 square feet. The main venue is separated by two halls.
‘International standard’
At Saturday’s brief, State Minister of Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu said, “We have plans to turn the fair into an international standard event. From next year, we will dedicate a hall solely to manufacturers.
“We have a high dependency on the apparel sector in terms of exports, and we have to break this trend. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to promote leather and jute, as these are our own products that add hundred per cent value.”
Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said, “It is true that a small number of international exhibitors participate in our fair as this is a month-long event. But many international stalls are available there.
“We consider the fair as a tradition or festival, and people enjoy this event. This year’s fair will be more festival-like thanks to the good infrastructure and ease of communication, especially for the expressways and DITF special bus service from Farmgate.”
