Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Monday said Bangladeshi companies have gotten export orders worth $16 million with a total sales of almost Tk 40 crore at the fair this time despite the pandemic.
Tipu Munshi made the remark while speaking as the special guest at the closing ceremony of "26th Dhaka International Trade Fair 2022" at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal on Monday.
The trade fair was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau.
Textile and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi attended as the chief guest the closing ceremony of the fair.
Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and AHM Ahsan, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) also spoke on the occasion.
The Commerce Minister said that this year's trade fair ended in a very unfavorable environment.
The government has taken all possible steps to increase the country's exports, he said, adding that “It will be possible to export $51 billion this year. We are working towards setting a target of $80 billion for the country's exports by 2024. For this, all concerned should work with sincerity.”
Bangladesh will not have many trade facilities as the country will become a developing country in 2026, he mentioned.
Munshi said, “We have to compete and move forward. Then you have to sign a PTA or FTA and take advantage of trade. This year we are working with four countries to sign this trade agreement.”
Textile and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi said the country's trade and overall economy was moving fast.
Due to the visionary direction and decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the trade and economy of the country are active in the Covid-19 situation. Today, the country is getting economic liberation. At one time it was not possible to set up industrial factories in the country due to lack of electricity. Today Bangladesh is self-sufficient in electricity.”
This year's trade fair has been very successful despite the unfavorable situation as well as the new venue, he mentioned.
However, the participants were awarded medals in 12 categories, 10 officials of different departments and 27 organizations for their special contribution in the fair.
Meanwhile, the Trade Fair attracted large crowds on the last day of the fair while traders did good business.
As always, the magnetic pull of the fair charms habitual buyers and patrons, as evidenced by this year’s visitor response. This year’s DITF is the 26rd edition of the trade show.
People, particularly youths were found thronging the fair amid much enthusiasm and showing good responses in buying different products, including cookeries, cosmetics, clothes, jewellery and so on despite the corona pandemic.
This year's trade fair featured several special arrangements, including DITF e-shop, small scale medical centre, blood donation centre and others.
A total of 225 stalls including 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of various business groups, companies and individuals from home and abroad are taking part in the fair this time.
Apart from business stalls and pavilions, there are food courts, restrooms, and a playground for kids at the fair.