The much-anticipated 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF), organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), continues its legacy as Bangladesh's largest annual trade event.
Held at its permanent venue, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, the month-long fair commenced on January 1, drawing local and international attention.
With participants from over 20 countries, the DITF showcases a wide range of products, boosting trade relations and enhancing Bangladesh's global presence as an economic hub.
Venue
The DITF was relocated from Agargaon to Purbachal in 2021 to accommodate its growing scale and to alleviate traffic congestion in central Dhaka.
The new venue offers a more spacious environment, aiming to meet international standards and enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and visitors.
The move aligns with Purbachal's development, attracting more visitors from nearby districts like Narayanganj and Gazipur.
However, Showaib Ahmed from Lalbagh told Dhaka Tribune that when the fair was in Agargaon, it was easy for some to get there by bus.
“But now, it is quite a hassle as there is no direct transportation from my neighbourhood to the new location."
While some people find the new location inconvenient and a hassle to reach, others believe the annual nature of the event makes the effort worthwhile.
As one attendee, Sanjida Maha, shared, despite the hassle, the annual significance of the event makes it all worth it. “It is a tradition I would not miss."
Another visitor who took a bus to the fair, Ashik Mahmudullah, a resident of Dhanmondi, said: “The BRTA buses from Farmgate have made the journey much easier, easing the transportation challenges and making the fair more accessible than previous years.”
Pricing, products
This year the DITF features a total of 361 pavilions and stalls.
International participants include companies from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
People are seemingly more attracted to stalls like Turkey Grand Bazaar, Bangladeshi shop Nabisco, and others like Pakistani Dress Haul and Indian Juttiwala.
Visitors have expressed their enthusiasm for the fair, highlighting its appeal due to the availability of foreign and unique products.
A visitor, Bilkish Akhter, said: “These items, although priced slightly higher than average, are worth it because they are not readily found elsewhere.”
Meanwhile, when asked about local and homespun products at the fair, some visitors said such items are available in places like New Market and other local markets.
They said unique products offered at the fair tend to be priced very high.
One shopper, Tanjum, said: "I would not buy a homespun product at the price offered here."
Others strongly disagreed with the criticism, expressing a deep sense of pride in supporting local products.
One visitor, Mursalin Hoq, said: "I love buying our products; if we do not buy them, who else will?"
Some visitors like him highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses, adding that it is important to appreciate and promote local sellers.
Despite the uniqueness of some items, the high cost remains a barrier for some potential buyers.
Fariya Tasnim, another visitor, said: “This encourages others to contribute to the growth and recognition of local industries by purchasing and valuing local products.”
Special zones for Bangladeshi small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and eco-friendly products highlight progress in entrepreneurship and sustainability, said several visitors.
Seller reactions
The fair offers a unique opportunity to explore exclusive products from international and local exhibitors.
An international seller at the DITF, Michelle Rhubright, said: "We have been getting great responses, with a 4:1 ratio of visitors to buyers. We have been given stalls for nine consecutive years, and the sales are comparable to what we experienced in Agargaon.”
Meanwhile, another seller, Patric Steve, from a Thailand stall, told this correspondent: “The communication has become more challenging and we now need to hire extra staff. Many visitors come to take pictures or simply see the items, but the overall response remains positive."
A local seller said the response this year has been better than previous ones, but people are still more attracted to international products. “Even if we import or make the same items, they prefer to buy from international stalls, even at a higher price."
Another seller said: "We have had to offer various deals to attract customers. But there has been a growing interest in local products for the last two years."
Pramod Desai, a seller from India, noted: "We are focusing on real buyers, not just attracting visitors."
Though logistical concerns remain, sellers and traders reported a positive turnout, with a steady flow of visitors, proving that the DITF remains an important and popular event for both exhibitors and attendees.
36 Chattar
Named for the July uprising, the 36 Chattar at the DITF, along with the amusement park featuring various rides, stands out as a unique attraction. Notably, "July 36" is a symbolic, fictional date used to refer to August 5, 2024, the day when Sheikh Hasina had to resign as prime minister and flee the country amid protests.
The 36 Chattar serves as a relaxing spot for visitors, offering a chance to unwind while also showcasing vibrant pictures and historical moments from the uprising.
Adjacent to this, the fair includes a small amusement park with various rides suitable for all ages.
With entry fees ranging from Tk50-Tk100, the park offers an affordable way to have fun together, creating a memorable experience for everyone.
Cultural programs are also organized inside the fair on weekends.
The 29th DITF is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
While some sellers have expressed interest in extending the fair into February to capitalize on increased engagement during the final days, there is no official announcement regarding an extension.
