DITF wraps up with Tk393cr in sales, up 3.42% from last year

The Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF), the country’s flagship trade showcase, closed after a month on Saturday with Tk224.26 crore in export orders and sales to domestic customers worth nearly Tk393 crore.

The sales to the domestic market, including sales at eateries, is up by nearly 3.42% from last year’s trade show, underscoring steady domestic demand despite pressure from inflation and a slowing economy.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin revealed the figures at the closing ceremony of the programme held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal on Saturday.

Among others, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, were also present at the closing ceremony.

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

Sectors attracting export orders included diversified jute products, electrical and electronics goods, home appliances, cosmetics, hygiene products, processed food, handloom, household items, home textiles, nakshi kantha and fabrics.

Export orders were received from Afghanistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey.

A total of 329 enterprises participated in the fair, including 11 companies from six countries—India, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia—besides Bangladesh.

Products and services on display and sale covered cottage, micro, small, medium and large industries, including garments, leather goods, jute and jute products, agricultural and agro-processed goods, furniture, electrical and electronic items, cosmetics, home décor, toys, stationery, crockery, handicrafts, plastic and melamine products, herbal and toiletry items, imitation jewellery, real estate products and services, fast food and various other services.

At the closing ceremony, awards were presented to the best pavilions, stalls and enterprises across different categories.

A total of 40 institutions were recognised based on criteria such as construction and architectural design, interior decoration, product display, customer service and satisfaction, compliance with allotment conditions, cleanliness and health standards, digital contents, contribution as exporters and manufacturers, and innovation.

To promote export diversification and enhance exporters’ capacity, eight seminars were organised as sideline events under a seminar series led by the EPB, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, government trade promotion bodies (BSCIC, SME Foundation and JDPC), product-based trade associations (BPGMEA, BGAPMEA, BFPIA and BanglaCraft), and development partners including the World Bank, GIZ, FCDO and BSI.

The EPB said an Export Enclave was set up at the fair to showcase the capabilities of seven leading export sectors, keeping foreign buyers and local visitors in focus.

Facilities such as a Senior Citizen Corner, mother and child care centre, and a children’s park were arranged to make the fair more comfortable and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Several voluntary organisations conducted health awareness campaigns during the fair. To ensure security, CCTV surveillance, deployment of law enforcement agencies and fire service units were in place.

The Directorate of National Consumers’ Rights Protection carried out regular drives throughout the month to ensure food quality and prevent consumer harassment, the EPB added.