Government drops ‘international’ tag from Dhaka trade fair

Authorities say the label deceives customers, since foreign brands or producers are not directly present

The government has decided to drop the word "international" from the "Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)", rebranding it as the “Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF)” starting next year.

The DITF, jointly organised by the commerce ministry and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), had been held in Dhaka’s Agargaon since 1995.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair was permanently moved to Purbachal in 2022.

The decision was made at the 148th meeting of the EPB's board on Monday, chaired by Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin.

In a media statement, the ministry explained the purpose of the fair: "The goal of organising the Dhaka International Trade Fair with domestic and foreign buyers and sellers was to showcase high-quality goods and technology through direct participation of foreign companies and to familiarise them with the local market.

“In reality, many foreign firms are participating through local agents or individuals instead of embassies or official delegations.

"As a result, the quality of the goods and services cannot be verified. Often, substandard products or goods are presented locally under foreign brand names.

“Since foreign brands or producers are not directly present, customers are being deceived. The international image of the fair is being tarnished."

Entrepreneurs from countries such as Iran, Turkey, India, and Pakistan have participated in the trade fair. Many companies from these countries come directly to the fair, while others participate through local representatives.