DHAKA: The International Trade Fair (DITF) 2017 jointly organized by Ministry Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is going to begin within a very short time.
This year the number of participating countries is increasing.
The preparation has begun on last November 1 and it will be ready within December 31. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to inaugurate the 22nd DITF on January 1, 2017.
As soon as you will cross the Bangabandhu International Conference Center the huge work of preparation will be visible.
The work on pavilion and stall are going on. Most of the pavilions are being built of steel. Even there will be three storied stalls.
The set up of many organizations’ stalls are complete, now the beautification work is going on. Work on making pavements, setting of water line and construction of grates are underway.
From last years’ experience this year the local companies are increasing the number of stalls and pavilions. However, the point of security is also within the consideration of the authority.
The number of stalls and pavilions of PRAN & RFL have also increased in the fair. Senior marketing officer of PRAN and RFL group AKM Iqbal told that they will finish their decorating ahead of time.
While visiting the fair premises it was found that a number of furniture companies including Akhtar Brothers have made very attractive pavilions. Their pavilions are made of steel.
From EPB sources, it was learnt that though 21 foreign countries participated in last years but this year the number will be 25.
These are India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, Iran, Thailand, USA, Turkey, Singapore, Australia, Britain, South Korea, Germany, Nepal, Hong Kong, Japan, UAE, Mauritius, Ghana, Morocco and Bhutan.
EPB sources further informed that like previous year, there will be 13 categories of stalls including general, premier, reserved, foreign, general mini, reserved mini, foreign mini and food stalls.
There will be also Bangabandhu pavilion enriched with liberation war history.
There will be first aid center and center of mother and child. 100 CCTV cameras will be fitted besides sufficient security arrangement.
It was learnt from the authority concerned that in 2015 the sale proceed of various goods was Tk 50 crore while in 2016 it was Tk 121 crore.
However, in 2015 the export order was Tk 95 crore while in 2016 the export order was Tk 235.17 crore but in the 22nd trade fair the export order will be doubled is expected.
About the preparation, fair committee secretary Mohammad Rezaul Karim told that every thing is going on according to the schedule.
“We are doing everything to complete the work within the time frame. The number of foreign participants has increased. But there is also huge rush of local companies”, he added.
BDST: 1523 HRS, DEC 20, 2016
Shahjahan/BD/SMS
