Global sourcing expo opens in Dhaka amid low foreign turnout, high future expectations

The first edition of a major international sourcing fair in Dhaka aimed at connecting Bangladeshi exporters with global buyers has seen a disappointing level of foreign participation, although exhibitors and industry stakeholders say it has significant potential to become a major global event.

The "Global Sourcing Expo-2025 Dhaka", organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) from 1-3 December, features 165 stalls from more than 125 exporting companies across a range of sectors. It is being described as the first "true international" sourcing expo of its kind in Bangladesh, despite the Dhaka International Trade Fair shifting to its new Purbachal venue in 2022.

Exhibitors and industry stakeholders identify political uncertainty and insufficient preparation as major reasons for the low turnout.

They say the event has significant potential to grow in the future. Some even see the possibility of it becoming one of the top five apparel-related expos in the world, as Bangladesh is the second-largest apparel exporter.

The RMG sector has the highest presence at the expo, with approximately 25 stalls, including one from the leading certified green factory, Fatulla Apparels Limited.

Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, managing director of Fatulla Apparels, acknowledged the issues. "As this is the first edition, some shortcomings were observed. Participation from foreign buyers' buying houses was low, and although garment factories joined, the spinning sector did not. But the expo is promising," he told TBS.

He stressed the urgent need for professional development. "For that, the organisers must be more professional, publish the expo calendar two to three years in advance, and increase engagement among potential participants. One of my buyers visited Dhaka last November. If the calendar had been announced much earlier, he might have scheduled his trip accordingly."

Political uncertainty cited as key factor

Rashedul Karim Munna, president of the Bangladesh Jute Diversified Product Manufacturers and Exporters Association – representing 15 companies at the fair – concurred that political uncertainty was a major deterrent.

"One of the main reasons for low foreign participation is the ongoing political instability. Some interested buyers eventually cancelled," the leading jute products exporter said.

He called the initiative positive, adding that holding such a fair locally, where buyers can access all information under one roof, will ultimately boost participation. 

Bangladeshi exporters typically travel to attend fairs in France, Germany, China, the United States, and India.

According to EPB sources, 61 representatives from 13 countries attended, though field observation suggested the presence of foreign visitors on the opening day was very limited. 

EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif told this newspaper that the current political situation "may be a factor," adding that one country explicitly communicated its non-participation due to "ongoing uncertainty."

Advice from experts

Reinforcing the need for a professional approach, representatives from Messe Frankfurt, one of the world's largest trade-fair organisers based in Germany, also visited the event.

Omer Salahuddin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt's Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka Trade Promotion Alliance, suggested that Bangladeshi embassies and consulates abroad could play a key role by encouraging buyers who already travel to Dhaka to align their visits with the expo dates.

He also advised that the focus should be on "quality rather than quantity" at the stands to position Bangladesh as a value-driven sourcing destination.

EPB Vice Chairman Arif promised continuity. "We should have started this expo long ago. We have now begun – perhaps we haven't achieved everything yet. But we will maintain continuity and address the observations we received for future editions," he stated.