Dhaka, Dec 31 (V7N) — The 29th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is set to commence on January 1, 2025, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. The event will be inaugurated at 10 a.m. by the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) are jointly organising the fair for the fourth consecutive year at this state-of-the-art venue. Officials confirmed during a press conference at the exhibition center on Tuesday that all preparations have been finalised.

For the first time, e-ticketing services have been introduced to streamline entry. Additionally, visitors will benefit from Uber’s discounted services and a dedicated BRTC bus service for easier access to the fairgrounds.

Youth Pavilion: To inspire the younger generation towards export trade.

Technology Corner: Designed for tech-savvy visitors.

Senior Citizens’ Sitting Area: Ensuring comfort for elderly attendees.

Children’s Park: Offering entertainment for kids.

Special Zones: Including sourcing corners, electronics, and furniture zones for international buyers.

The July Square and Thirty-Fourth Square have been introduced to commemorate the sacrifices made during the student movement against discrimination. Seminars focusing on emerging sectors and products will also be organised throughout the fair.

This year, 361 pavilions, stalls, and restaurants have been allocated with complete transparency, featuring local manufacturers, exporters, and foreign companies. Businesses from seven countries, including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, will participate. The event will showcase and sell various domestic and international products, with opportunities for purchase orders.

A robust security arrangement has been put in place, with personnel from police, RAB, and other agencies patrolling the premises. The venue also includes:

Hygiene Facilities: Separate toilets for men and women, and daily anti-adulteration drives to ensure food quality.

Parking: A two-story parking facility for over 500 cars and additional parking on six acres of land.

Banking Services: Adequate bank booths for financial transactions.

The fairgrounds have been thoughtfully designed, with the July Square located on the southeast side, a cultural and recreation center on the southwest, and a six-acre children’s park on the northeast. Prayer rooms and additional squares have also been established to accommodate visitors.

Key attendees at the press conference included Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce; Mohang Selim Uddin, Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce; Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export); and Md. Anwar Hossain, Vice-Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau.

The Dhaka International Trade Fair will continue to be a platform for showcasing Bangladesh's industrial capabilities and fostering global trade relations.

END/MSS/AJ