The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) was inaugurated on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal’s Rupganj area of Narayanganj, marking a significant moment for the country’s trade and commercial landscape.
Commerce Adviser to the interim government, Sk Bashir Uddin, formally opened the month-long fair.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the adviser said the 30th edition of the DITF represents a landmark in Bangladesh’s trade history, stressing that the event goes far beyond a conventional display of products.
“This fair reflects Bangladesh’s evolving initiatives, innovation-driven growth and expanding commercial strength,” he said.
Bashir noted that Bangladesh has emerged as a key stakeholder in global trade, adding that international trade fairs play a crucial role in export diversification, access to new overseas markets, strengthening market linkages and reinforcing economic diplomacy.
According to him, such initiatives also help enhance Bangladesh’s image abroad and attract foreign investment, contributing to long-term and sustainable economic growth.
“The Dhaka International Trade Fair has consistently served as a bridge—linking producers with consumers, entrepreneurs with investors and the national economy with global markets,” the adviser said.
He added that the fair highlights the country’s steady progress in trade, industry and economic development, while showcasing Bangladesh’s capacity for product diversification, ranging from traditional handicrafts to advanced, technology-based goods.
Referring to challenges following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Bashir said strategic initiatives are essential to maintain export momentum. In this context, he mentioned the first-ever international sourcing fair titled ‘Global Sourcing Expo 2025 Dhaka’, which was organised at the same venue from 1 to 3 December last year.
The sourcing expo, the adviser said, created strong opportunities to present Bangladesh’s production strength and export potential to domestic and international buyers, importers and visitors. Bashir added that similar sourcing events would be held once or multiple times a year going forward.
Emphasising the role of entrepreneurs, the commerce adviser said their active participation is key to the success of the trade fair. By showcasing quality, innovation and competitiveness, entrepreneurs help project a strong national image, he noted.
The adviser further said direct engagement with buyers, market assessment, negotiations and on-the-spot order placements enable businesses to secure concrete commercial benefits.
Participation in the fair also allows entrepreneurs to gain insights into emerging markets, global standards and modern technologies, supporting export expansion.
Highlighting government initiatives to broaden the export base, Bashir said several product sectors have been designated as “Highest Priority Sectors” and “Special Priority Sectors” based on export performance and growth potential.
As part of export promotion efforts, one product is selected annually as the “Product of the Year” to encourage its production and market expansion.
“In continuation of this initiative, paper and packaging products have been declared the ‘Product of the Year 2026’,” he announced.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif delivered the welcome address, while Commerce Ministry Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan spoke as special guests at the event.
Authorities have also imposed a ban on polyethylene bags and single-use plastics at this year’s fair. As an alternative, environment-friendly shopping bags will be made available at subsidised prices through the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.
According to the fair layout, a total of 324 pavilions, stalls and restaurants have been allocated to local manufacturers, exporters, general business entities and participating foreign companies.
