Dhaka Trade Fair sees export boom, but stall owners feel the pinch

The 28th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) concluded yesterday, fetching export orders worth TK391.82 crore ($30.62 million), a 17.25% increase compared to last year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau.

Additionally, goods worth approximately Tk400 crore were sold, reflecting a 15% rise from the previous fair. Despite these achievements, feedback from about 20 stalls indicated disappointment with this year's sales performance.

The Export Promotion Bureau organised the closing ceremony of the fair yesterday at the fair venue in Purbachal's Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre.

Speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared handicrafts as 'product of the year'.

"Our goal is to bring up one lakh artisans across the country in the next one year… If we do everything right, the country's target of $100 billion in export earnings by 2030 can be achieved faster."

At the ceremony, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh suggested organising a separate international trade fair lasting 3-5 days to meet full international standards.

This proposal was supported by Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries President Mahbubul Alam, emphasising the need for a shorter duration to attract foreign participants effectively.

Tapan Kanti Ghosh also highlighted the importance of leveraging Bangladesh's business councils in 23 countries to enhance foreign company participation in future fairs.

On 21 January, the prime minister inaugurated the 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair-2024, attracting participation from more than 300 domestic and foreign companies.

The trade fair usually starts on 1 January, but this year, it began later due to the elections.

Business owners expressed frustration over various factors affecting sales, including the fair's timing, location, the end of winter, and school schedules. For instance, Abdul Jalil from Feet Fair reported unsold goods worth Tk16 lakh, attributing it to the delayed start and reduced number of visitors.

Similarly, Sohag Hossain of Janin Fashion lamented the lack of profit due to fewer visitors, particularly families who typically attend during the winter break.

Sima Begum, selling Punjabi shoes, struggled to cover expenses, echoing sentiments shared by others in the winter clothes and footwear segments.

Md Jahirul Islam of Hatil Furniture also noted a decline in visitor turnout by 30% compared to the last edition.