Dhaka International Trade Fair is the biggest trade fair in Bangladesh. It was started as an idea to expand the businesses. But, now it has become one of the traditional and cultural festivals of Bangladesh. People wait the whole year for this festival so that they can visit the fair and buy their needed things at the best deal. Before going to the main section, let’s clear some confusion about the trade fair.
Things you need to know about Dhaka International Trade Fair
We all know what is fair. It is a gathering of buyers and sellers in a pre-selected place at a specific time. As for the trade fair, the basics are the same. A trade fair is an exhibition of new products from different companies trying to expand their businesses or gain the trust of customers. You can also call it the trial of products and see if the customers are interested.
Different companies demonstrate their products at a trade fair, listen to the customers and business partners, and try to study the strategies of their rival companies so that they can make their service better. They also keep a record of product sales so that they can analyze them later and know the customer’s interests.
Most of the trade fairs do not allow the public. Only business representatives or professionals can visit those fairs. But some fairs do allow the public. Frankfurt Book Fair and Dhaka International Trade Fair are some of them. Today, we will be discussing the Dhaka International Trade Fair.
History of Dhaka Trade Fair
This Trade Fair is jointly organized by EPB and the MOC. The fair starts at the starting of the new year and lasts until the end of the month and sometimes till the first week of February. As this fair is organized by two government departments, it is open for all. Visitors need to buy a ticket which is less than a dollar.
Dhaka International Trade fair was organized in 1995 for the first time. It takes place in Sher E Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, near Agricultural University and on the west side of BICC, also known as SAARC International Conference Center.
All About Dhaka International Trade Fair
More than four hundred companies and shops from Bangladesh and beyond participate in this fair as sellers. The fair is very organized as there are country-specific sections in the fair. So, one can easily find all the pavilions of a particular country.
According to The Daily Star, the most popular English newspaper in Bangladesh, there were 483 stalls from 21 different countries in the DITF 2020. Among these stalls, there were 112 pavilions, 128 mini pavilions, and 243 stalls of different categories.
This year the fair was special as it was the 100th birthday of the nation’s father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. There was a special pavilion dedicated to him to remind the young generation about him. There was a presentation of 139 photos from different phases of Bangabandhu’s life.
Besides Bangladesh, Other countries participating in the fair are India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Singapore, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Mauritius, Vietnam, and Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia.
Contribution of DITF in Bangladesh’s Economy
As it is the largest trade fair in Bangladesh, there are shops from different sectors. The fair features different shops including Equipment, carpets, cosmetics and beauty products, electrical and electronics, Jute and Jute products, leather and leather products, shoes, sports items, sanitary ware, toys, stationery, watches, jewelry, ceramics, local clothing, processed food, fast food, furniture, and handicrafts.
The government earns millions by renting the pavilions and from the ticket price. Besides, DITF is helping new and emerging companies and brands to have the idea of a competitive business system. It helps local and foreign companies to promote themselves and earn customer trust. And it is also helping the general people to know about the diverse cultures of different countries in the world.
Future and Visions of DITF
The venue we are talking about is a temporary venue for the fair. But the Export Promotion Bureau is making a permanent venue for DITF in Purbachal, Dhaka close to Dhaka International Airport. The proposed venue is about 35 acres with a budget of 5 billion BDT.
According to the former commerce minister of Bangladesh, Tofael Ahmed, participants got export orders equivalent to $1.6 Billion in the DITF 2018. And they also grabbed more than 800 million from the 35 day long fair. Bangladesh’s government has a vision of exporting products worth at least $60 Billion by the year 2021.
If the vision comes true, Bangladesh will be a very strong country economically very soon. And a lot of foreign companies will be interested to invest in the country which will open a lot of possibilities.
What are the similarities and differences between Dhaka International Trade Fair and Nabanna festivals?
The Dhaka International Trade Fair and Nabanna festival of new rice both celebrate the vibrant culture and commerce of Bangladesh. While the trade fair showcases a wide range of products and industries, the Nabanna festival is centered around the harvest and new rice, featuring traditional music, dance, and food.
What Makes Dhaka International Trade Fair and Ekushey Book Fair Popular Events in Bangladesh?
Dhaka International Trade Fair and Ekushey Book Fair are popular events in Bangladesh, attracting locals and tourists alike. The Ekushey Book Fair brings readers and writers together, and fosters a love for literature, bringing knowledge closer to the people. The fair’s cultural significance and festive atmosphere make it a must-visit event.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is an economically underdeveloped country until now. But the government and the people are working very hard to change this. And this is not a dream anymore. According to the Goldman Sachs investment bank, Bangladesh is one of the next eleven countries that have the possibility of becoming one of the major economies in the 21st century.
With that being said, we can understand the importance of fairs like these to expand the businesses and promote new emerging companies to be the next great thing in the country.
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