The 9th Bangladesh International Plastics, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair-IPF, 2014 concluded yesterday with a hope to increase export of the sector.
Before concluding the four-day fair, entrepreneurs have sought government’s assistance to help further develop the industry, which has also been badly affected due to the GSP withdrawal by the US administration.
The fair, which began on February 20 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), drew a huge turnout of visitors on the last day yesterday.
Most of the visitors gathered at the local companies’ stalls to buy plastic materials. In addition, children were found delighted with wide range of plastic toys showcased in the fair.
“Although the plastic materials were not sold at a discount rate from the beginning of the fair, the prices were a bit less during the last day, said Zisan, a visitor who came with his mother yesterday. He had also visited the fair the day before yesterday.
Another visitor Shamima Afsar has expressed her frustration as she could not find any product with discount. “I have come to buy plastic materials for my homestead and I am to opt for the local companies as there is no other options for me”, she added.
As the fair was intended for exhibition purpose only, we did not encourage sales giving discounts, said Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Manager (DPL-IS) of PRAN-RFL Group.
He, however, said, the sale rose up to Tk. one lakh on the last day.
Tauhidul Islam, Manager (Institute Sales) of PARTEX Plastics echoed same with Ahmed about the exhibition as he said, “We have sold products worth Tk.80,000 in the fair, mostly in the last day .” Six-participating companies, three local and three international companies, were awarded during the closing ceremony.
“We have come to attend the fair for the first time. We have explored ample opportunities here in Bangladesh to promote our business”, said Nishit Patel, one of the Directors of Exzakta Meccanica Ltd, while talking to the Dhaka Tribune.
Exzakta Meccanica Ltd, a weaving machines manufacturer, which has its local agent (CAT Engineering Ltd), has obtained the second prize in the international category.
There were more than 300 stalls, booths and pavilions in the fair of 16 countries including Bangladesh.
Speaking as chief guest, commerce minister Tofail Ahmed said, “As the USA had imposed 16 conditions to regain Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), we would be able to fulfill all these by March and the government would send the final report to the USA by April 15.”