DHAKA, Jan 31, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today laid emphasis on increasing capacity of businessmen to develop the country’s economy.

“If we cannot build competitiveness through the participation of the private sector and reduce the production costs of products, many challenges will arise in the future. The unemployment rate will also increase in the country,” he said.

Bashir Uddin said this while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital's Purbachal area.

Stating the reason for the low number of foreign participants in the international trade fair, Bashir said, "It is not easy for a foreign company to participate in a month-long fair. They regularly participate in 5-6-day exhibitions. Even then, we want to increase international connectivity in the international trade fair."

Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Commerce Md Abdur Rahim Khan presided over the closing ceremony while Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md Hafizur Rahma and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Md Anwar Hossain spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the trade fair on January 1 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital's Purbachal area.
Some 343 pavilions or stalls or restaurants of different categories was allocated in favour of local producing and exporters firms, general business establishments and foreign business entities in a cent percent transparent manner.

Besides, textiles, machineries, carpets, cosmetics and beauty aids, electrical and electronics, furniture, jute and jute products, household items, leather or artificial leather, leather products including shoes, sports goods, sanitary wares, toys, stationery, cookeries, plastics, melamine polymers, herbal, toiletries, imitation jewellery, processed food, fast food, handicrafts, home decor etc were displayed and sold at the fair.

Eleven foreign companies showcased their products and services, adding an international flavour to the fair, according to the officials.