Bangladesh will participate in 50 international trade fairs across 27 countries during the current fiscal year (FY 2026-27) as part of a government initiative to expand export markets, promote products from priority sectors and support emerging exporters.
The Ministry of Commerce has approved the plan to expand export markets and promote products from 12 priority sectors, Commerce Minister and Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Board Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Tuesday.
He said the government had launched a series of initiatives to create a more business-friendly environment and attract new investment into the country's economy.
The minister said efforts were underway to simplify business start-up and operational procedures, with tangible improvements expected within the next two to three months.
He made the remarks while chairing the 149th meeting of the EPB Board of Directors at the bureau's conference room.
"We will witness another positive transformation under the current leadership in the days ahead, Inshallah," he said.
"The government is working to promote economic growth, generate new investment and expand business activities. Beyond policy commitments, concrete measures are being taken to create an enabling environment for investment."
He said efforts were also underway to make the process of starting a business easier and faster, making Bangladesh a more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors.
Highlighting export prospects, the minister said priority sectors such as leather, agro-processing and light engineering have the potential to achieve double-digit growth and emerge as major export industries.
He stressed the importance of helping new entrepreneurs and start-ups gain access to international markets.
"Many of today's leading exporters started on a small scale," he said, adding that young entrepreneurs need support to connect with international buyers, participate in overseas trade fairs and strengthen export capabilities.
He noted that many new businesses lack the financial capacity to travel abroad for market exploration and buyer engagement, making government support essential.
The EPB, he said, would play an active role in assisting emerging entrepreneurs.
The meeting approved the international trade fair calendar for FY 2026-27 and the steering committee for the 31st Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2027, which is tentatively scheduled to begin on January 1 2027.
In addition, the meeting took a policy decision to lease out the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BCFEC).
Among those present were Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, EPB Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, Additional Secretary (FTA) at the Ministry of Commerce Ayesha Akter, and other members of the EPB Board.
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