Star Business Report
Participants in the 14th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) expect high sales from next Friday, as election-hype is not over yet.
They said a few hundred people have already visited the fair since onset, but it will draw in people by droves within the next weekend.
“As the fair kicked off only four days ago and the election hangover still exists, response has been nominal. We hope that the fair will gain momentum from next week,” said Hasibur Rahman, manager of Karupannya, a Rangpur-based rug maker.
Participants yesterday said visitors are keen in purchasing mostly kitchen materials, jute rugs and handicrafts such as flower vases.
Alauddin Ali, owner of Ali Enterprise, said many women are interested in buying foreign pressure cookers, rice cookers and pots and pans.
He also said visitors are also buying cutlery sets and home decoration pieces.
Apart from utensils, locally made jute rugs have also become a hit.
“The handmade rugs are quite impressive to look at and will aid home decoration. These are cheaper than traditional carpets and environment friendly as well,” said Samima Zannat, a housewife, who purchased two pieces of rug at the fair.
Hasib of Karupannya said France, Italy, Germany and Spain are the major importers of the locally made rugs.
Alliance Bedware offers exclusive décor cushions, floor cushions and pillow covers at the fair.
“We are quite new in this trade but we have already started exporting our products to the UAE, Qatar and Australia,” said a salesperson of the company. “We also received some orders from Sri Lankan buyers.”
Shawls, saris and woolen scarves at Manipuri Handicrafts, a Sylhet-based handicraft maker, have also become popular, said Goura Babu Singha, proprietor of the enterprise.
Some 467 local and foreign companies are displaying machinery, agriculture equipment, chemicals, allied products, cosmetics, dairy products, electrical and electronic items, food, tableware, melamine, plastic goods, handicrafts, furniture, home appliances, leather and leather goods, footwear, sports goods, textile and garment products in the fair.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Ministry of Commerce have jointly organised the DITF to help local enterprises expand their business globally.
The month-long exposition will remain open to visitors from 10am to 9pm everyday. The entry ticket has been fixed at Tk 12 for adults and Tk 7 for children.
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
