Dhaka Trade Fair Ends With Nearly Tk400cr Sales

A file photo of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) venue in Purbachal.

The Dhaka International Trade Fair concluded on Friday after a month-long run, recording sales of nearly Tk400 crore despite inflationary pressures and a slowing economy, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

At the closing ceremony held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, Narayanganj, the EPB said domestic transactions at this year’s fair reached Tk393 crore, marking a 3.42 percent increase compared to the previous edition.

Based on information from 329 participating local and foreign companies, the EPB reported that potential export orders secured during the fair amounted to $17.98 million, equivalent to Tk224.26 crore.

Export orders were generated from sectors including diversified jute products, electrical and electronic goods, home appliances, cosmetics, hygiene products, processed food, handloom, home textiles, household items, nakshi kantha and fabrics. Buyers came from countries such as Afghanistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey.

A total of 329 enterprises took part in the fair, including 11 companies from six countries—India, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia—alongside Bangladeshi participants.

The fair showcased products and services from cottage, micro, small, medium and large industries. Items on display included garments, leather goods, jute and jute products, agricultural and agro-processed items, furniture, electrical and electronic products, cosmetics, home décor, toys, stationery, crockery, handicrafts, plastic and melamine goods, herbal and toiletry items, imitation jewellery, real estate products and fast food, among others.

Awards were presented at the closing ceremony to top-performing pavilions, stalls and enterprises across different categories. In total, 40 institutions were recognised based on criteria such as architectural design, interior decoration, product presentation, customer service, cleanliness, digital content, innovation, and contribution as exporters and manufacturers.

To support export diversification and strengthen exporters’ capacity, eight seminars were organised alongside the fair under an EPB-led seminar series, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, government trade bodies, trade associations and development partners.

An Export Enclave was also set up to highlight the capabilities of seven key export sectors, targeting both foreign buyers and domestic visitors.

Visitor-friendly facilities, including a senior citizen corner, mother and child care centre and a children’s park, were arranged throughout the fair. Several voluntary organisations conducted health awareness campaigns, while security was ensured through CCTV surveillance and the deployment of law enforcement and fire service units.

The Directorate of National Consumers’ Rights Protection carried out regular inspections during the fair to ensure food quality and protect consumer interests.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin formally declared the fair closed, with Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman presiding over the ceremony.