Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged the country’s business community and entrepreneurs to come forward to strengthen its export base with more investment in the services sector to boost overall exports to the competitive global market. “We need to enhance our exports. I urge all businesspeople to come forward to invest more in the services sector in addition to products to boost our exports,” he said while inaugurating the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal. Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurs’ role, Dr Yunus said developing an exportable product is important but it is more important to know who developed the product. The Chief Adviser said every year there is an initiative to announce a “Product of the Year” and this year furniture product is the product of the year. In addition to this process, Dr Yunus said, he wants to introduce “Entrepreneur of the Year” to let everyone know who is behind the product. The Chief Adviser highlighted the government’s initiative to promote Bangladesh’s products in the global market with its diversified presence. He said Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) has already secured a leading position in the global apparel market. Read: Month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair to open Wednesday Dr Yunus said the export trade is playing a significant role in cutting poverty and unemployment in addition to earning foreign currencies. “It’s playing an important role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy.” He formally inaugurated the month-long fair.  Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin was, among others, present. Like the previous years, the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have jointly organised the fair. The spaces for stalls or pavilions of various categories have been allocated online for the first time in this trade fair. The e-ticketing system has also been arranged for the first time in the fair. Apart from this, BRTC's dedicated bus service would be available alongside Uber service at a special discount to facilitate the travel of buyers and visitors to and from the fair venue. Besides, "July Chattar" and "Chhatrish Chattar" were created at the fair venue in honor of the sacrifices of students in the anti-discrimination students' movement. A Youth Pavilion has also been set up to encourage the youth folk of the country in export trade. Initiatives have been taken this year to organize potential sector/product wise seminars at the fair. There will be separate sourcing corners, electronics and furniture zones for the convenience of foreign entrepreneurs and participants. Technology corner has been installed for the convenience of the age-based visitors while seating corner will be there for senior citizens. Read more: Dhaka Int’l trade fair begins Sunday There is also a children's park in the fair for ensuring pure entertainment. The trade fair is being held for the fourth time in a row at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. According to the layout plan of the fair, some 361 pavilions/stalls/restaurants of different categories have been allocated in favor of local producing and exporters firms, general business establishments and foreign business entities in a cent percent transparent manner.

The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is set to begin on Wednesday (January 1) at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre '' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the fair around 10 am at Purbachal, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin told a press briefing at the fair venue premises on Tuesday. Ride-sharing service provider Uber will offer discounts for visitors to the fair under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the event with the Export Promotion Bureau. Besides, the adviser inaugurated an e-ticketing app for fair entry. Like previous years, the fair is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). 3-day non-fiction book fair begins at Dhaka University This year, E-ticketing service will be introduced for the first time while a number of stalls and pavilions were allocated through online. Apart from the BRTC’s dedicated bus services, visitors can avail the opportunity of Uber at a discount price. Besides, July Chattar and Chattrish Chattar have been established at the fair venue as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made during the student-led mass movement. A Youth Pavilion has been set up to inspire the younger generation to engage in export trade. Meanwhile, a total of 361 pavilions/stalls/restaurants have been allocated to local producers, exporters, general businesses, and foreign companies through transparency. Different products including, textiles, machinery, cosmetics, electronics, furniture, leather goods, handicrafts, processed foods, home décor, and other items will be displayed for selling purpose at the fair. Besides, 11 companies from seven countries—India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia—are participating in the fair. Adequate measures have been taken to ensure security at the fair venue. Law enforcing members including Police, Armed Police Battalion, RAB, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement personnel will be deployed. Besides, CCTV cameras were installed at key locations and regular patrols around the venue. Anti-adulteration mobile court drives will be operated daily under the supervision of executive magistrates. A control room and information centre has been set up for overall monitoring and visitor assistance. The month-long fair will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM on weekends.

The countdown to the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is nearing its end as the grand event is scheduled to commence on January 1 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, Dhaka. The month-long exhibition will conclude on January 31, 2025, showcasing a blend of innovation and tradition to captivate visitors. The bustling sound of last-minute preparations fills the air at the venue. From hammering nails to final paint touches and welding, the site is a hive of activity. Both domestic and international participants are finalising their stalls and pavilions, ensuring they are ready to welcome a diverse audience. Honouring the Spirit of Martyrdom This year, the trade fair includes several new features commemorating the martyrs of the July-August uprising, officials said. They said two special corners, named after Shaheed Abu Sayeed and Shaheed Mir Mughad, are being established to honour their sacrifices. A Youth Pavilion has also been introduced, designed to inspire and engage young attendees. Domestic and International Participation A total of 327 stalls and pavilions have been allocated for this year’s event, featuring exhibitors from Bangladesh and seven other countries. Eleven foreign companies are set to showcase their products and services, adding an international flavour to the fair, according to the officials. The pavilion and stall allocation process, along with ticketing, has been fully digitised for the first time. This online approach is expected to streamline the experience for both exhibitors and visitors. Ticket Pricing and New Attractions Ticket prices remain unchanged from last year, with adults required to pay Tk 50, while children under 12 can enter for half the price. For added convenience, tickets can now be purchased online, eliminating the need for long queues at the entrance. A new technology-based children’s park is among the highlights of this year’s fair, offering young visitors an engaging and interactive experience. Overcoming Challenges The trade fair, a cornerstone of Dhaka’s annual calendar, faced initial setbacks in preparations due to the general elections held earlier this month. However, traders and organisers have worked diligently to ensure the event proceeds seamlessly. The Dhaka International Trade Fair has long been a platform for businesses to connect with customers and for visitors to explore a wide range of products. With its fresh features and robust preparations, the 2025 edition promises to be a memorable event for all attendees. 28th Edition The 28th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) fetched export orders worth Tk 392 crore, marking a 17 percent increase from the previous year, according to the commerce ministry.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (January 21, 2024) inaugurated the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) at Purbachal. Five foreign countries -- Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore and Iran -- alongside local companies are taking part in the 28th edition of the fair where exhibitors will showcase products. Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is also participating in it. The Prime Minister also declared Handicrafts Products as the product of the year for 2024. State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam and vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan were also present on dais. Read: 4 Bangladeshi businesses participate in Mandalay International Trade Fair The fair will continue from January 21 to February 20. The Ministry of Commerce and the EPB have been organising trade fairs since 1995. The DITF usually commences on 1 January each year. However, the EPB postponed the fair due to the 12th national elections held on January 7. The trade fair will run from 10 am to 9 pm daily and to 10 pm on weekends. The entry fee is Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children. Freedom fighters and the physically challenged people need no fee. BRTC buses have been arranged from Farmgate and Kuril Biswa Road to the fair premises for the convenience of general visitors. Read: BGMEA, Oxfam discuss ways to collaborate with buyers to make trade fairer A total of 330 stalls have been allotted along with 23 pavilions and 27 mini pavilions. There will also be 15 food stalls of different categories which can accommodate up to 500 people. There are also a prayer room, children's playground, media corner, office rooms, medical rooms, guest-rooms for officials, and stores. The parking area can provide facilities for 500 vehicles. Read more: Month-long trade fair in Chattogram kicks off today

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (January 01, 2023) asked the businesspeople and industrialists of Bangladesh to pay at least the cost of generation and procurement of electricity and gas if they want to avail uninterrupted supply of energy. “If you want uninterrupted electricity and gas, then you have to pay the production cost or procurement cost at least. How long we will provide subsidy?” she said. The premier was inaugurating the 27th edition of the ‘Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2023’ where Bangladesh-made products will be on display for promotion in the international market. Read More: Ensuring access to electricity at an affordable cost is govt’s prime goal: PM’s Energy Advisor Commerce Ministry and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) organised the month-long largest annual commercial and trade event of the country at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre'' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital. Hasina said that the government can’t provide huge subsidy on electricity and gas for unlimited period that comes from the pockets of the mass people. “We cannot give such huge amount of public money as subsidy, so businessmen and industrialists have to pay attention to this matter,” she said. At the programme the PM declared jute and jute products as the Product of the Year 2023. Read more: Students to get free textbooks despite austerity measures amid global crisis: PM She said that once jute was called the golden fibre of the country. She mentioned that the demand of jute will never end and the jute products are environment friendly. “We have been able to invent the jute genome, so we can produce so many products,” she said. Hasina also mentioned that jute is an all-purpose crop and product and every part of it – from leaves to sticks - can be used. Read More: PMO collecting data to tackle energy crisis in next summer “So we have to give importance to jute. We have opened up our public jute mills and anyone can take lease one of these mills,” she said. In this regard she said that the lessee can operate these mills directly or induct modern technology to produce diversified items. “You can do your marketing across the globe as demand of the environment-friendly products is increasing day by day. You have to take that opportunity,” she said. The prime minister said that the government will introduce 5G for the 100 economic zones across the country. Read more: PM Hasina buys Dhaka's first metro rail ticket to become its first passenger “We have inducted 4G service and will surely introduce 5G service, but this will be done for the 100 economic zones as this service (5G) is not required for all areas. This is applicable for the economic zones,” she said. She said that the government is taking steps towards that. She asked all concerned to put emphasis on IT and IT enabled services. The PM once again put priority on finding new markets and products for diversifying the export basket of the country. Read More: Already riddled with crisis, private power plant operators cry for unpaid bill worth $2.5 billion “Our export items are limited, we are depended on very few export items, this have to be diversified, I am repeatedly saying that the more we will be able to diversify our products, the more we will find new markets, the more we will be able to expand our business and incomes,” she said. Hasina put emphasis on establishing food processing industries to tap the immense potentials of these items around the world. “The demand of food items will not shrink, it will always increase,” she said. Later she visited various pavilions and stalls of the Fair. Read More: Electricity generation disrupted as Kaptai Lake’s water level decreasing A documentary on the country’s overall economic development was screened at the event. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi , Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin and EPB Vice Chairman AHM Ahsan also spoke at the programme.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (January 01, 2023) inaugurated the 27th edition of the ‘Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2023. The largest annual commercial and trade event of the country is being held at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre '' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital for the second time. Commerce Ministry and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have organised the month-long fair. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin and EPB Vice Chairman AHM Ahsan were present at the programme. Read more: PM opens distribution of free textbooks This year, a total of 331 stalls and 17 pavilions have been leased out to various local and international organisations. The international trade fair will open at 10 am every day and close at 9 pm. On government holidays, the fair will run till 10pm. Ticket price for the adults has been fixed at Tk 40 while for children at Tk 20. Besides, visitors will get a 50 percent discount on tickets if they book from online. Read more: PM Hasina buys Dhaka's first metro rail ticket to become its first passenger The government will provide a transport facility to reach the fair venue as 70 BRTC buses have been pressed into service in this regard. These will run from Kuril flyover to the fair venue. Visitors will be able to travel in these buses with a minimum fare of Tk 35. Traders from 10 countries are participating in the fair this year with 17 organisations. The Dhaka International Trade Fair was first held in 1995. Read More: BSCIC stall wins Gold Trophy at 26th Dhaka International Trade Fair

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), an organization of the Ministry of Industries, has won the Gold Trophy as Best Reserved Stall in the reserved stall category in the 26th Dhaka International Trade Fair. The trophy was awarded at the fair in recognition of BSCIC's eye-catching and attractive stall fair as well as the quality of products and services displayed in the stall, said Md. Mahbubor Rahman, Chairman of BSCIC. The BSCIC stall has been used to promote BSIC activities and services including branding activities of Geographical Indication (GI) products and some traditional products of Bangladesh and to provide industrial registration (spot registration) to the entrepreneurs, he said. There were arrangements to sell and display the honey produced by the Beekeeping Center at BSCIC stalls at a fixed price under the BSCIC beekeeping program. READ: BSCIC to introduce one-stop services  Winning this trophy will further accelerate BSCIC's activities in the development of cottage, micro, small and medium (CMSME) industries in the country, said the chairman. In the next session of the fair, BSCIC will take initiatives to provide a wider range of facilities to the CMSME entrepreneurs for the promotion, dissemination and marketing of their products, he said.

The month-long 26th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) ends on Monday. The ministry of commerce will hold the closing ceremony at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, the permanent venue of the fair at Purbachal of the capital. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will be the chief guest in the closing ceremony. The trade fair did not take place last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The fair was held at a permanent venue in Purbachal for the first time this year. However, due to the new venue and Covid-19, the gathering of consumers was not as much as expected. Read:Trade fair to continue maintaining health guidelines Md. Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the trade fair and secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), told UNB, "We are instructed not to extend the fair time. Moreover, traders verbally asked for extension of the fair time but no one formally applied.” "It simply came to our notice then. So Monday is the last day of the fair. We are preparing for the closing ceremony of the fair. ' The number of stalls at this year's fair was half that of other years. There were 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of different categories. The stalls at the Agargaon fair were more than double than this year’s.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday inaugurated the 26th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) declaring ICT products and services as the “products of the year 2022”.   The largest annual commercial and trade event of the country is being held at its permanent venue – “Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre '' – at Purbachal on the outskirts of the capital for the first time.   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the fair virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.   Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi presided over the function jointly organised by the Commerce Ministry and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). READ: Dhaka International Trade Fair begins Saturday in Purbachal Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh and President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md Jashim Uddin and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan also spoke at the event.   This year a total of 225 stalls, including 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 160 stalls and 15 food stalls, have been leased out to various local and international organisations.   The venue will feature a prayer room, children's play area, office rooms, medical rooms, guestrooms for officials and store rooms.   Previously, it used to be held at Agargaon but it was too small to accommodate the large number of participants and visitors.   The gate of the international trade fair will open at 10 am every day and close at 9 pm. On government holidays, the fair will run till 10pm. Ticket price for the adults has been fixed at Tk 40 while at Tk 20 for minors.   The government will provide a transport facility as 30 BRTC buses have been pressed into service in this regard. These will run from Kuril flyover to the fair venue from 8am to 10pm every day. Visitors will be able to travel in these buses with a minimum fare of Tk 30.    

Dhaka International Trade Fair (DIFT),2021 will be arranged if the coronavirus situation improves, said Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Sunday.