Gazi Anowar :
Dhaka International Trade Fair has failed to attract foreign buyers due to mismanagement and plans. It has been turning a local market, say visitors.
Kamruzzaman, a private service holder said the fair does not match with the purpose of the event as the shopkeepers are selling products that are available in New Market and Chadni Chawk.
“I am really disappointed with the organizer (Export Promotion Bureau),” he added. They have allowed normal shopkeepers to sell very common products instead of good local brands, he said.
Nazrul Islam, another employee of a private firm, was however impressed with the fair. He came to the fair to buy quality biscuits and cakes on discount and he got them. The visitors though had a good impression about the management of the fair, including parking and security. But filthy condition of the venue and its adjoining areas creates huge traffic jam. It is one of the reasons for not attracting foreigners.
Talking to The New Nation, some foreign exhibitors said the overall environment of the fair does not match the international standard while most of the local products are not up to the mark.
Abdul Majid, proprietor of Bungree and Sons of Kashmir, said that he has been taking part in the trade fair for the last five years. He added, “All my employees have fallen sick for the unhealthy environment”. Local exhibitors said the number of foreign visitors has come down compared to previous years. Shafiqul Alam, Manager of Walton Group, said few foreign visitors were seen to visit the fair this year. “We aren’t happy. To make it an international fair, we need to have huge foreign visitors.”
He said, “Many local brands, including the RMG, have good reputation in the world market too but we cannot attract them here. If the government takes initiatives then huge foreigner visitors would come and help earn huge foreign currencies.” Even the local visitors said the fair has turned into a local market, not the international trade fair.
Md Ramjan Ali, Director General of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said, “We are trying to justify the name in line with the international standard gradually. Different seminars, product introduction, and discussions by local and international renowned people are arranged at the fair ground.”
The month-long show will come to an end on February 8.
Dhaka International Trade Fair has failed to attract foreign buyers due to mismanagement and plans. It has been turning a local market, say visitors.
Kamruzzaman, a private service holder said the fair does not match with the purpose of the event as the shopkeepers are selling products that are available in New Market and Chadni Chawk.
“I am really disappointed with the organizer (Export Promotion Bureau),” he added. They have allowed normal shopkeepers to sell very common products instead of good local brands, he said.
Nazrul Islam, another employee of a private firm, was however impressed with the fair. He came to the fair to buy quality biscuits and cakes on discount and he got them. The visitors though had a good impression about the management of the fair, including parking and security. But filthy condition of the venue and its adjoining areas creates huge traffic jam. It is one of the reasons for not attracting foreigners.
Talking to The New Nation, some foreign exhibitors said the overall environment of the fair does not match the international standard while most of the local products are not up to the mark.
Abdul Majid, proprietor of Bungree and Sons of Kashmir, said that he has been taking part in the trade fair for the last five years. He added, “All my employees have fallen sick for the unhealthy environment”. Local exhibitors said the number of foreign visitors has come down compared to previous years. Shafiqul Alam, Manager of Walton Group, said few foreign visitors were seen to visit the fair this year. “We aren’t happy. To make it an international fair, we need to have huge foreign visitors.”
He said, “Many local brands, including the RMG, have good reputation in the world market too but we cannot attract them here. If the government takes initiatives then huge foreigner visitors would come and help earn huge foreign currencies.” Even the local visitors said the fair has turned into a local market, not the international trade fair.
Md Ramjan Ali, Director General of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said, “We are trying to justify the name in line with the international standard gradually. Different seminars, product introduction, and discussions by local and international renowned people are arranged at the fair ground.”
The month-long show will come to an end on February 8.
