DITF preparations in full swing

All the preparations for the 27th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) are going on in full swing at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal in Dhaka.

The construction of the pavilions is almost done. The stalls are being set up. The interior design of all stalls will be completed soon and the fair is scheduled to begin on January 1 next on the premises of the BBCFEC, the Secretary of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Md Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury told The Business Post.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the fair physically at the venue. “Around 330 local and international exhibitors will showcase their products and services in this month-long fair. Some 14 foreign institutions from 11 countries including India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Iran, and Thailand will attend the fair,” he informed.

Iftikher said, “All the preparations will be completed within December 31 before the inauguration of the fair. Many cannot attend the fair due to the dollar and global economic crisis this year despite having interest.”

Substandard products at trade fair

Earlier, many visitors claimed that substandard products were sold in the trade fair. But the authorities remained silent in this regard.

Talking to The Business Post, the EPB secretary said they want to provide equal opportunity to all small and big businesses in the fair; so that customers can choose what type of products they would purchase from many options in the fair.

“We want to present all options to the customers. All small and big businesses can showcase their products at the fair venue,” he added.

However, he also said the officials of the Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection will visit the fairground and take action against those who would sell fake products.

International standard of trade fair

To avoid the severe traffic congestion during the month-long DITF and make the fair an international standard one, the government shifted the venue from Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to Purbachal area where China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) built the exhibition centre on 26 acres of land.

The BBCFEC has 33,000 square metres of floor space, housing two exhibition halls covering 15,418 square meters each, which have the facilities to feature more than 800 stalls.

However, the EPB secretary admitted that they cannot maintain international standards fully due to various reasons. “The trade fair venue has a mixed atmosphere, having both local and international flavour,” Iftikher said.

“Besides, we take part in international fairs in 20-22 countries to showcase the products of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs,” he added.

Export orders receiving

Even though the previous 26th edition of the fair received fewer export orders compared to the 25th edition, the EPB is expecting more export orders this year.

In the 26th DITF last year, Bangladesh received export orders worth $16m in the largest annual trade event of the country. In the 25th edition held at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Bangladeshi traders received around $2 billion in export orders.

Easy commutation for visitors

In the last year, commuters faced problems going to the fair as 300 Feet Road was still under construction. But the construction of the road has been completed this year. So, commuters can go to the fair venue easily, the EPB secretary hoped.

He said the organisers will spray water to relieve commuters from dust. “Besides, we will strengthen the security system this year as well. Due to Covid-19, we did not get the expected response from customers. Hopefully, we will get a massive response this year as all things are okay,” he added.

Talking to The Business Post, the proprietor of Izma brand KM Soriatullah said they will showcase around 100 types of jute-made products including bags, tableware, and tissue boxes.

“I booked a stall of eight feet by eight feet at Tk 65,000 at the Jute diversification promotion centre of the fair where 16 entrepreneurs will showcase jute products. Now we are busy making new products with innovative designs to attract local and foreign buyers,” he added.

Soriatullah apprehended that the Kanchon Bridge point of 300 Feet Road might create a problem for all as it is not completed yet.

Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to Purbachal area

The 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 but the venue was too small to accommodate a large number of participants and visitors.

In this context, the authorities shifted the trade fair to the Purbachal area at its permanent venue to make it an international one.

After shifting the venue from Agargaon to Purbachal, the 26th edition was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But this year, she is expected to inaugurate the fair physically.