March 29, 2024, 2:34 pm


SAM

Published:
2020-01-01 23:20:59 BdST

Month-long DITF 2020 starts today


FT ONLINE

Light engineering goods will be declared as 'the product of the year' for 2020 aiming to help the sector grow further, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Tuesday.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally declare light engineering merchandise as the product of the year today at the opening ceremony of the 25th edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair," he added.

The government was focusing on light engineering products as the sector has immense potential to give a boost to the country's export earnings, he said while briefing newsmen on the event at DITF Secretariat set up at the fair ground in the city's Agargaon area.

Commerce secretary Jafar Uddin and EPB vice-chairman Fatima Yasmin, among others, also attended the press conference.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in association with the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is organising the month-long trade fair.

The prime minister would inaugurate the fair today at the fair ground, the minister said, adding that the event is accommodating a less number of stalls than that of the previous year aiming to ensure a congenial atmosphere.

"The number of stalls has been reduced to 483 from the previous year's 630 to ensure a congenial environment at the fair venue."

He also said the organisers trimmed down the number of stalls aiming to keep more open spaces for the convenience of local and foreign visitors.

"We have started working to restore the dignity of DITF, which will be reflected in the upcoming editions beginning with this year," the minister added.

Responding to a query, Mr. Munshi said the government is looking to some sectors including light engineering, jute goods, ceramic and pharmaceutical as complementary to apparel in a bid to achieve its earnings target of US$60 billion from export.

According to the organisers, this year the fair will have all required facilities including open spaces, gardens, restrooms and prayers room.

Spread on 32 acres of land, DITF 2020 will continue till January 31.

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