Exposition promoting export diversification to begin at Purbachal on 15 Nov

A three-day Global Sourcing Expo-2026, focusing on diversifying Bangladeshi export products, would be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal on 15-17 November.

to diversify Bangladesh’s export products, expand into new markets, and connect local producers directly with global buyers.

A view-exchange meeting on preparations for the event was held Sunday at a hotel in the capital. Top leaders of various business associations, chamber representatives and heads of government offices attended.

Speaking at the meeting, Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said the first edition of the expo was held last year. This time, the number of sectors has been increased from eight to twelve, which will bring greater product diversity and allow entrepreneurs from more sectors to participate. More than 200 stalls are expected this year.

He said the expo would serve as an effective platform for giving small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) the opportunity to take part in international trade fairs and for showcasing Bangladeshi products to foreign buyers.

Seminars, B2B meetings and factory visits

The EPB vice chairman said that to develop the expo into an international-standard trade platform, the programme will include: seminars and business-to-business (B2B) meetings, an online matchmaking portal to connect buyers and sellers, networking opportunities and factory visits, and fashion shows and cultural events to attract foreign buyers.

He also stressed ensuring effective international participation by strengthening coordination with Bangladesh embassies abroad, foreign embassies in Dhaka, international buyers’ associations and joint chambers of commerce.

The meeting was told that registered buyers will receive benefits, including special hotel discounts, to make participation easier for foreign buyers. Special discounts were also mentioned for participants travelling on Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Representatives of various organisations offered several suggestions to make the expo a success.

They called for stronger promotion abroad, stalls and pavilions decorated to international standards, early fixing of the fair’s dates, selection of quality products, and use of international event-management experience.

Proposals included seeking new buyers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, strengthening contacts with international trade bodies, and increasing allocations for promoting Bangladeshi products abroad. In their view, regular contact with buyers before and after the fair is the key to converting business prospects into actual export orders.

A representative of the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) proposed more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to participate, booth sponsorship for women-led SMEs, and special skills-development training.

Representatives of sectors including plastics, frozen food, fisheries, jute, furniture and pharmaceuticals stressed the need to diversify export products and showcase promising sectors to buyers. They also proposed resolving compliance-related complications, updating existing policies, reviewing booth fees, and creating a supportive environment for exporters.