Dhaka Trade Fair receives over $30m worth export orders

The Dhaka International Trade Fair ended Tuesday, fetching export orders worth $30.38 million, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi disclosed, citing the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). 

"About Tk100 crore worth of goods have been sold in this year's fair that have witnessed some 30-35 lakh visitors, much higher than the previous year," he said at the closing ceremony of the fair in the Purbachal of the capital. 

The previous edition of the fair sold goods worth Tk40 crore only, according to the EPB Secretary Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury, and received export orders of $16 million.

"The exhibition in Purbachal for the second time has been a success, although many were concerned about the location. We have overcome the challenge by arranging a good transportation system," Minister Tipu Munsi said.  

Taking part in the ceremony as chief guest, Textile and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi said visitors faced huge troubles last year which significantly reduced this time thanks to the better communication system.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the construction of the country's first underground metro rail connecting the area a day later. Once completed, the subway, along with the six-lane highways, will help the trader fair become more momentous." 

Golam Dastagir Gazi also called for a bigger place for the biggest trade show in Dhaka. 

Additional Commerce Secretary Md Hafizur Rahman, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice-President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu also spoke at the event.

Meanwhile, a total of 47 entities were awarded in 14 categories for their contribution to making the fair a success. 

The 27th edition of the trade fair featured some 331 local and foreign stalls and pavilions, 40% higher than the previous year, while BRTC buses were operated from Kuril Bishwa Road to the fair venue – Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre – to facilitate the visitors' commuting.

The last day fair was abuzz with crowds. Traders were happy about their sales. Many were even expecting the fair would be extended for another week but it did not happen. 

"Our expectations have been fulfilled as we received a good response from visitors. We came here just to promote our new products," Tanvir Hossain, in charge of the Walton pavilion, told TBS.

HATIL Furniture Senior Officer Shakhawat Hossain added that they sold more than their target. "We have showcased our new furniture, which many customers ordered here." 

The maiden Dhaka International Trade Fair was held in 1995. The annual event could not be organised in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. In 2022, the venue was shifted to the permanent fair venue at Purbachal from the previous Agargaon area.