DITF kicks off

The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) opened yesterday, showcasing locally made products to both domestic and international buyers.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin inaugurated the month-long fair at the Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Rupganj, Narayanganj.

"The DITF is more than just an exhibition. It is a platform to promote innovation and develop entrepreneurship. It also highlights Bangladesh's commercial growth," Bashir Uddin said in a statement released by the commerce ministry after the inauguration.

Originally scheduled to start on January 1, the fair was postponed to January 3 following a three-day national mourning for the death of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

This year, polythene bags and single-use plastics are banned at the fair. Instead, eco-friendly shopping bags are being sold at discounted prices through the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said the fair is jointly organised by the commerce ministry and the EPB.

He added that alongside local companies, 11 out of 324 participating enterprises come from six other countries.

"As the largest international platform for showcasing products, the DITF helps promote Bangladesh and its goods. It also strengthens the supply chain," Arif said.

"The fair encourages development and innovation in the manufacturing sector by bringing together entrepreneurs and businessmen from home and abroad," he added.

Bashir Uddin said Bangladesh is now an important partner in global trade. "The main goal of the International Trade Fair is to achieve sustainable economic growth by developing and diversifying export products," he added.

He also highlighted that the DITF helps access new international markets, strengthen trade links, promote economic diplomacy, expand international cooperation, improve the country's image, and attract foreign investment.

The commerce adviser said the government identifies certain sectors as the 'Highest Priority Sector' and 'Special Priority Sector' based on their contribution to the economy.

"To further boost exports and promotion, one product is selected each year as the 'Product of the Year.' This year, I am declaring 'Paper and Packaging Products' as the 'Product of the Year' for 2026," he added.

Special guests at the fair included Mahbubur Rahman, secretary of the commerce ministry, and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, administrator of The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry.