The four-day long “South Asia Trade Fair 2025” has kicked off in Dhaka, aiming to strengthen regional trade and economic cooperation among SAARC member countries.
The fair, which opened on Thursday (September 18) at the International Convention City Bashundhara, brings together leading South Asian brands under one roof, offering fashion and lifestyle products, electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, processed foods, technology items, home appliances, and kitchenware.
The event was inaugurated by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and organized by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) with support from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commerce Secretary Rahman described the fair as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, knowledge, technology, and experiences among South Asian countries, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
He expressed hope the event would boost regional trade and called for stronger economic integration, noting that other global economic blocs have overcome trade barriers to expand commerce while South Asia lags behind in that practice.
EPB Vice-Chairman Hasan Arif suggested holding such fairs in major global cities like Dubai to enhance the visibility and branding of South Asian products and services. SCCI President Md Jashim Uddin highlighted the rapidly changing global trade landscape and emphasized the need for greater organizational efforts to strengthen regional trade and economic ties.
SAARC Secretariat Director for Economy, Trade, and Finance Bhavesh R. Trivedi underscored South Asia’s significant contribution to Asia’s overall economy and stressed the importance of robust networking and connectivity to unlock the region’s trade potential.
FBCCI Secretary General Md Alomgir called on SAARC nations to reduce existing trade gaps, remove barriers, and build stronger links to transform South Asia into a powerful economic bloc.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by business leaders from various chambers and associations, diplomats, representatives of SCCI and FBCCI, and other stakeholders.
