Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) after a 20-day delay caused by the general election.
The organisers have increased the number of stalls and entry fees for this year`s fair being participated by six foreign countries -- Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Iran -- alongside local companies.
Formally opening the fair at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Sector 4 of Purbachal New Town in Dhaka, the premier 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.
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 January 1 each year. However, the EPB postponed the fair due to the 12th national elections held on January 7.
The trade fair will run from 10:00am to 9:00pm daily and to 10:00pm 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.
In 2023, the entry fee for general visitors was Tk 40 and Tk 20 for children under 12.
Around 3.5 million people visited the fair last year, raising revenues worth about Tk 1 billion.
The 27th edition of the fair attracted export orders worth around Tk 3 billion, according to the EPB.
Organisers are hopeful for an increase in both visitor turnout and transactions this year.
BRTC buses have been arranged from Farmgate and Kuril Biswa Road to the fair premises for the convenience of general visitors.
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.
