DITF bags over Tk300cr export orders

Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2023 concluded on Tuesday with the companies getting Tk300 crore in export orders.

This year’s fair also posted a record Tk 100 crore in sales despite worries over low profits due to the ongoing economic crisis and the long distance between the venue and the city centre.

The closing ceremony was held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal on the outskirts of Dhaka city.

While speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi said the connectivity has improved vastly surrounding this Purbachal venue. The space of the venue must expand in future.

“The fair has been arranged to promote Bangladeshi products in the international market. The government took all necessary steps to boost trade and economic activities,” he added.

Gazi also said they have to take proper preparations to tackle 4IR impact. So, skilled manpower must be created in the country.

“A chance of building industrial factories has been created near the Padma Bridge. The government has been working relentlessly to achieve its target,” he also pointed out.

While speaking as the special guest, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the number of participants increased by about 37 per cent this year compared to the previous year.

“We have received export orders worth Tk300 crore while products’ sales were Tk100 crore at this fair,” he added.

The minister also said the fair attracted both local and international visitors this year. As many as 30 lakh people visited the fair.

“However, Bangladesh now exports goods worth over $60 billion. This year  we have set a target to export goods worth $67 billion. We are hopeful that we can achieve the target,” he added.

Tipu also said the Purbachal venue has been set up to arrange fairs all the year round. “Apart from January, we can earn more currency if we can arrange fairs here in other months.”

At the concluding ceremony, FBCCI senior vice-president Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu sought government support to boost the country’s trade and export.

“Businesses need more loans at the minimum rate of interest to boost business. Cost of doing business should be reduced to sustain in the competitive market,” he added.

Babu also said the country’s economy is going through a difficult time. There are around 75 lakh TIN-holders but about 30 lakh people pay taxes. So, the government should expand the tax net. Then, the national budget may cross Tk10 lakh crore.

“Bangladesh has some positive news and challenges too after LDC graduation. So, now we have to modernise and digitalise our activities and create skilled manpower,” Babu also added.

A total of 47 awards were handed over to fair exhibitors for best pavilions and stalls.