DITF now to begin on January 09

The 24th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2019 will begin on January 09 instead of the first day of the month (and year), as is usually the case, due to the 11th national election, reports UNB.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the month long trade fair would continue until February 08 at its usual venue in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

"Usually we organise the fair on January 01 but it is not possible this year (2019). It will be difficult to organise in one day after completing the election on December 30, since law enforcement and other administrators will have to be busy then," Avijit Chowdhury, Director General of EPB said.

"Besides, we cannot understand who will come in power after the election. However, Prime Minister's Office has approved a letter to organise the fair on the 9th," he said.

"We will complete all tasks of the fair by the month and stalls allotment will also be completed within December 31."

Some 20 pavilions will be reserved for women entrepreneurs at DITF 2019. More than 550 stalls and pavilions would showcase quality goods produced at home and abroad.

Avijit Chowdhury said this year we get good response from abroad. Around 50 applications have been submitted from foreign organisations till now," he said.