DHAKA, Dec 31, 2021 (BSS) - The 26th 'Dhaka International Trade Fair
(DITF)-2022' will begin from tomorrow at 'Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China
Friendship Exhibition Centre' in the capital's Purbachal area.

     Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the month-long
trade fair virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

     Commerce Ministry and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) are jointly
organizing the fair.

     President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today issued
separate messages on the occasion of 26th DITF-2022.

     Both the President and the Prime Minister wished the trade fair a grand
success.

     In his message, President Abdul Hamid extended his cordial thanks to the
Ministry of Commerce, the Export Promotion Bureau and other supporting
agencies for organizing this trade fair.

     He said this type of international trade fair is essential for the
country's export products and market diversification.

     In order to achieve economic prosperity to build the Sonar Bangla as
dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the
arrangement of such trade events in regular basis will leave worthwhile
contribution, he added.

     Moreover, he said, this year's trade fair has got some added importance
for the Golden Jubilee of the country's Independence.

    "I think this fair will enhance the trade relations of our country with
the rest of the world," he added.

    Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the event will create
ample opportunities to the local and overseas exhibitors to showcase their
competitive advantages and innovative products to the customers.

     At the same time, she said, buyers will get the opportunity to purchase
the products at a competitive price from this mega-event.

     By participating in this fair, local entrepreneurs will be able to
improve the quality of their products as per the need and will be able to
compete in international trade, she added.

    She said during the last two years of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, the
world has experienced severe setback in trade and commerce.

     "But our government has taken a timely and well thought decision, and
given stimulus packages to the exporters to enhance the business activities
which led to restoration of export momentum," she added.

     Sheikh Hasina said, "In this auspicious moment of the 50th anniversary
of our independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, I
firmly believe, DITF-2022 will be able to beget deep interest and enthusiasm
among local and foreign manufacturers and buyers as well."

     At a press conference, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said all
preparations have already been completed to organize the trade fair.

     "Due to Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to organize the fair in
the last year. But, we are going to organize the trade fair at the permanent
venue for the first time," he added.

     This year, he said, the fair has been organized keeping in mind the
birth centenary of Bangabandhu, the golden jubilee of independence and the
development activities of the government.

     Tipu Munshi informed that there will be 30 buses for carrying fair
visitors. Buses will run from the bottom of the Kuril flyover throughout the
month, he added.

     He said visitors will be able to travel on these buses with a minimum
fare of Taka 30.

    Traders from more than 11 countries are going to participate in the fair,
he said.

    He informed that a total of 227 stalls, including 23 pavilions, has
installed at the new venue.  The venue will feature a prayer room, children's
play area, food codes, office rooms, medical rooms, guest rooms for
officials, store rooms, he added.