Last-minute finishing touches are being applied to many stalls and pavilions of the 25th Edition of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2020, which is going to begin from Jan 1, 2020 at the Sher-E-Bangla Nagar in the capital.   

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), while Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will preside.

Local and international organisations are busy decorating their stalls. This is also a busy time for the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Ministry of Commerce, WASA, Power department, Home Ministry and officials of the department of Works.

According to sources, the history of Bangladesh and traditions will be showcased to make the fair attractive and stalls

have already been allotted accordingly.

EPB deputy director (finance) Mohammad Abdur Rouf told The Independent that 90 per cent of the construction at the venue had already been completed. Construction of some stalls was nearing completion, he said.

“Labourers are working in three shifts spanning 24 hours a day. Pace of work has increased as only a few days are left for fair to begin. I hope the remaining work will be completed by Monday,” he added.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) vice chairman Fatema Yasmin said preparations were underway for the fair, keeping in mind the 100 birth anniversary of Bangabandhu. A pavilion is being designed for the purpose, she said.

The Dhaka International Trade Fair attracts both foreign and domestic customers because it plays an important role in showcasing products from home and abroad, exploring export markets and allowing interaction of local and foreign businessmen, Rouf added.

According to EPB sources, 20 countries, including USA, UK, Italy, Australia, Bhutan, China, India, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey are participating in the fair.

There will be a total of 450 stalls in the fair. Last year, the number was 550. The number of general stalls was brought down to 50 from 250.

There will be 27 foreign pavilions, 66 premier pavilions, 11 general pavilions, eight reserved pavilions, 77 general mini pavilions, 47 premier mini pavilions, 11 foreign mini pavilions and

six reserved mini pavilions in the fair.

There will also be 84 premier stalls, 17 foreign premier

stalls, 50 general stalls and 35 food stalls. The fair will have two dedicated playing zones for

children.

According to DITF sources, over 100 CCTV cameras will be set up at the venue for a 24-hour surveillance. Police, Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guards

Bangladesh will provide security at the event.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the fair to buy different products from Bangladesh and overseas.

There will be eco-parks on both sides of the fair along

with a digital experience centre, through which buyers and visitors will be able to find stalls.

On December 1, 1995, the DITF began its journey of showcasing export-quality goods produced in Bangladesh.Since then, the number of visitors to the fair has grown exponentially.

The fair will remain open from 10am till 10pm and ticket will cost Tk 40 for adults and Tk 20 for minors.