Govt to focus on economy rather than politics in diplomacy: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Sunday her government will shift its diplomatic focus from politics to economy, report agencies.

She made this announcement while inaugurating the month-long 28th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2024 at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal New Town, on the outskirts of the capital.

The Prime Minister declared handicrafts as the product of the year for 2024.

During her speech Prime Minister signaled a shift in the government's diplomatic strategy, with the emphasis turning to economic aspects over politics during her latest term in office.

Hasina emphasized the importance of expanding trade and commerce, stating that it is the primary goal of Bangladesh's embassies and consulates.

She also highlighted the need to diversify the country's export basket to reduce reliance on a limited range of products.

Prime Minister asked all concerned to pay the same importance given to readymade garments to other export items, including jute and leather goods, pharmaceuticals, IT products and handicrafts to increase foreign earnings.

"We have to give attention to produce more new products and explore new markets (for export). We currently depend on a few products for export," she said.

The fair is organised jointly by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The Prime Minister said her government has been working to increase the export earnings to 150 billion US dollars by 2030 in line with the election manifesto-2024.

"The dateline is short. But it is possible to achieve any target if it is fixed," she said.

Mentioning that Bangladesh's knit and woven garments have been leading across the globe, she said, "Those who are getting advantages (from the government), have become successful. In that case, we have to create more scopes for other products."

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh is well ahead in jute, leather, pharmaceuticals, small industries and IT sectors.

Besides, there are many products which are being exported, but in a limited scale.

The premier said the service sector appears to be potential for export as the country had earned around 8 billion US dollars in the last FY 2022-23.

She said the IT products earned around 27.5 US dollars last year.

The products of small industries have huge potential as export items, she said, referring to the tiles made of a special kind of soil in Satkhira which is being exported to Italy.

In this connection, the prime minister asked all concerned to give appropriate training to women as they can produce quality goods which can be exported.

She said her government has built Joyeeta Foundation building to ensure marketing of the products of the small industries produced by the women at the village level.

The head of the government said they will build Joyeeta Foundation at upazila and district level.

A video documentary on the government measures taken in the last 15 years for development and expansion of the trade and business and attract local and investment was screened at the function.

Local textiles, machineries, carpets, cosmetics, electrical and electronics, jute and jute products, household goods, leather goods including shoes, sports goods, sanitary ware, toys, stationery, crockery, plastic, melamine polymer, herbal and toiletries, imitation jewellery, processed food, fast food, handicrafts, home decor, furniture and other products will be displayed and sold in the fair.

Five foreign countries -- Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore and Iran -- alongside local companies are taking part in the 28th edition of the fair where exhibitors will showcase products. Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is also participating in it.

State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh and Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Mahbubul Alam also spoke at the function.

Vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) AHM Ahsan gave the address of welcome.

The fair will continue from January 21 to February 20. The Ministry of Commerce and the EPB have been organising trade fairs since 1995.

The DITF usually commences on 1 January each year. However, the EPB postponed the fair due to the 12th national elections held on January 7.

The trade fair will run from 10 am to 9 pm daily and to 10 pm on weekends. The entry fee is Tk 50 for adults and Tk 25 for children. Freedom fighters and the physically challenged people need no fee.

BRTC buses have been arranged from Farmgate and Kuril Biswa Road to the fair premises for the convenience of general visitors.

A total of 330 stalls have been allotted along with 23 pavilions and 27 mini pavilions.

There will also be 15 food stalls of different categories which can accommodate up to 500 people.

There are also a prayer room, children's playground, media corner, office rooms, medical rooms, guest-rooms for officials, and stores.

The parking area can provide facilities for 500 vehicles.