Sales at the ongoing Dhaka International Trade Fair have already gone beyond expectation, said exhibitors who attributed the turnaround after two dull events to peaceful political situation.
This year the traders looked happy due to higher turnout of visitors at the fair and increased sales volume while in last two years political unrest caused setback to the month-long annual event typically held in January.
“As there is a calmness in politics, it helped us see better business this year compared to last two years. Sales have already exceeded our expectation,” said Mohammad Kabir Khan, a sales executive of metal products brand Kiam. “The business is now on track. If it continues till the end, our sales will be twice last year’s.”
Muntasir Hossain Fahim, a visitor from Manikganj along with family members, said he spent over Tk15,000 to buy different products while he was unable to visit the fair last year due to political instability.
Md Ripon, sales executive of RFL Group, said their sales had jumped compared to last year’s event, which made them happy. “We have seen visitors even coming from outside Dhaka.”
At the fair, home appliance, furniture, crookeries, plastic products, melamine kitchenware, bikes and electronic gadgets attract most of the visitors, especially women.
“We find different types of household products and can choose from a large variety of new and fashionable goods and essentials,” said Shaila Rahman, a housewife, who came from old part of the Dhaka city. “Last year I visited the fair only once, but this year, I already came three times. Today I came to buy some furniture.”
Firoz Al Mamun, head of marketing of Hatil Furniture, said this year the visitors’ flow was higher than that of previous year and they were also getting more new orders. “We have brought new products like kitchen cabinet this year and the response is overwhelming.”
