The 30th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair opened on Friday at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s trade and commercial landscape. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin formally inaugurated the month-long event.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Bashir Uddin described the fair as more than a conventional product exhibition, calling it a comprehensive platform that reflects Bangladesh’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and evolving trade capabilities.
He said the 30th edition represents a landmark moment, highlighting the country’s progress in business and industry, as well as its ability to diversify production from traditional handicrafts to technology-driven products.
The commerce adviser noted that Bangladesh has emerged as an important partner in global trade, with the fair serving as a key instrument for developing and diversifying export products. He said its broader objectives include gaining access to new international markets.
It is strengthening market connectivity, enhancing economic diplomacy, expanding international cooperation, improving the country’s global image, and attracting foreign investment to support sustainable economic growth.
Emphasizing the fair’s long-standing role, Bashir Uddin said the Dhaka International Trade Fair has consistently connected producers with consumers, entrepreneurs with investors, and Bangladesh with the global marketplace.
He added that as the country prepares for challenges following graduation from least developed country status, sustained export growth will depend on product development, diversification, and the exploration of new markets.
In this context, he referred to the first Global Sourcing Expo 2025 Dhaka, held at the same venue from December 1 to 3 last year, which showcased Bangladesh’s production and export capacity to domestic and international buyers. Similar initiatives will be organized once or multiple times a year to further strengthen global trade engagement, he said.
Highlighting the role of entrepreneurs, the commerce adviser said their participation is central to the success of the fair. By demonstrating product quality, innovation, and competitive strength, entrepreneurs help project a positive image of Bangladesh internationally. He noted that direct engagement with buyers through market analysis, negotiations, and order placement offers tangible commercial benefits.
Bashir Uddin expressed optimism that exhibitors would use the platform to explore new markets, familiarize themselves with international standards and technologies, and identify opportunities for product development, thereby contributing to export growth.
He also said the government is implementing multiple programs to diversify export products, with several sectors designated as Highest Priority and Special Priority Sectors based on export potential and contribution.
To further encourage export promotion, he announced that ‘Paper and Packaging Products’ has been declared the Product of the Year for 2026, aimed at boosting production and marketing in the sector.
The fair was originally scheduled to open on January 1 but was postponed to January 3 following the government’s declaration of three days of national mourning over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
This year’s Dhaka International Trade Fair has banned the use of polythene bags and single-use plastics. As an environmentally friendly alternative, shopping bags are being provided at subsidized rates through the Ministry of Jute and Textiles.
According to the official layout plan, a total of 324 pavilions, stalls, and restaurants have been allocated to local manufacturers, exporters, general business entities, and participating foreign companies, underscoring the scale and diversity of the event.
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