Trade fair ends with 25pc jump in export orders

The 24th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair ended today with a 25 percent jump in export orders from the previous year.

Businesses bagged spot orders worth around Tk 200 crore during the month-long showcase, up from Tk 160 crore a year earlier.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi shared the information at the concluding ceremony of the country's biggest trade annual show held at the city’s Sher-e Bangla Nagar.

The National Board of Revenue also collected Tk 5.3 crore in value-added tax until February 7 against the target of Tk 6 crore. It collected Tk 5.21 crore from the 2018 trade show, according to NBR officials.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the commerce ministry jointly organised the event, which usually starts on the first day of the year. However, the beginning of this year’s show was pushed back to January 9 due to the 11th national election and upon requests from the business community.

There were a total of 605 stalls, mini pavilions and premium pavilions in the fair. Some 52 foreign companies from 22 countries took part, according to the EPB.

The EPB awarded trophies to 42 business organisations under 13 categories for their performance in the exposition. It also handed over crests among 33 co-organisers, individuals and three local brands for paying the highest amount of VAT.

Hatil Complex, Walton High Tech Industries Ltd and Esquire Electronics Ltd were the winning local brands.