PM Hasina opens Dhaka International Trade Fair

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the 25th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 1 Jan 2020, 09:41 AM
Updated : 1 Jan 2020, 11:11 AM

The premier set off the month-long fair by cutting ribbons and releasing pigeons and balloons at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Wednesday.

“2020 is a very important year for us. We are making life easier for those who wish to operate businesses in this country. We do not run businesses ourselves, but we are a business-friendly government and create opportunities for others,” said Hasina.

The prime minister called for efforts to expand the export market and introduce new products to increase the export income.

“We should not limit ourselves to the production of one or two products for export but strive to produce more. We are also paying special attention to the demand of the products in the domestic and foreign markets.

“Diplomacy has turned into economic diplomacy. We can't just focus on the political side but also need to expand the market and introduce new products."

Putting emphasis on the development of the ICT sector, Hasina said the production, use and export of digital devices will contribute to Bangladesh’s economy.

"I believe the ICT sector will be our biggest sector in future. We will be able to earn a big amount from it."

She spurred diplomats and foreign businessmen to invest more in Bangladesh.

The government has set up a development goal with a long-term plan to focus on the commercial, investment, industrial and food sectors, she said.

Hasina highlighted the establishment of special economic zones and other plans designed by the government to facilitate investment and trade.

She shared her government's goal to ensure the socio-economic development of the grassroots saying, "We need to increase the purchase capacity of our people."

A total of 21 countries, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Mauritius, Vietnam, Russia, the US, the UK, Germany and Australia, are participating in the fair.

About 450 stalls and pavilions have been set up this year, down from 550 in 2018. General stalls have been affected the most by the downgrade. There were 250 general stalls in 2018 but the number has been brought down to 50 this year.

The fair will remain open from 10am to 10pm every day. The entry fee for adolescents and adults has been set at Tk 20 and Tk 40 respectively.