The government has rolled out an extensive plan to support Bangladeshi exporters from eight potential sectors in participating in 46 international trade fairs during fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to diversify the country's export basket and reduce reliance on traditional markets such as the USA and the European Union (EU).
As part of this strategy, Bangladesh will also host its first-ever Global Sourcing Expo, branded as "Sourcing Bangladesh," scheduled for December 1-3 in Dhaka, to attract global buyers and brands directly to the country.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladeshi companies will be supported to join international fairs across multiple sectors, including ready-made garments (RMG), textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, furniture, seafood, handicrafts, and ICT.
The EPB, under the Ministry of Commerce, will coordinate the initiative, which covers both financial and logistical support to help exporters tap into new and emerging markets, particularly in East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Officials say the programme is designed to target untapped and non-traditional markets to reduce risks associated with dependence on a handful of destinations.
Speaking to The Financial Express, Mahmudul Hasan, EPB director (Fair), said, "Considering major and potential export products, we have set a target to participate in 46 fairs this year, up from 36 last year. We are already confirming bookings for the next fiscal year, as early-bird registration ensures access and discounts."
The diversification strategy focuses on eight sectors, including apparel and textiles, agro-processed food, leather and leather goods, homeware and handicrafts, furniture, plastics and rubber, pharmaceuticals, and IT-enabled services.
While RMG remains central to Bangladesh's export portfolio, this year's emphasis is on exploring new segments and positioning other industries for sustainable growth.
To encourage wider participation, the government will subsidise international fair participation fees: large exporters will receive 30 per cent support, medium enterprises 40 per cent, SMEs 50 per cent, and women-owned businesses 60 per cent.
The inaugural "Sourcing Bangladesh" expo will feature around 200 exporters from these priority sectors and aims to attract at least 50 top international buyers and brand representatives.
The event will include B2B matchmaking sessions, seminars on trade and technology trends, networking events, and product demonstrations.
The government also plans to provide hospitality packages, including accommodation and transport for international buyers.
Booth prices have been set at $1,000 - much lower than the $4,000-5,000 charged internationally - to allow local exporters to showcase products without bearing heavy costs.
EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif said, "Sourcing Bangladesh expo will be a landmark event in connecting Bangladeshi exporters with global buyers while diversifying both export products and markets. The interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, has expressed its commitment to continue this initiative in the coming years."
The upcoming fairs include 17 events dedicated to RMG and textiles in markets such as Japan, Canada, Australia, the USA, and Italy.
Beyond apparel, participation will also cover leather and footwear in Hong Kong, furniture in Dubai, seafood in Spain, pharmaceuticals in Dubai and Nigeria, and diversified products at expos in China, Malaysia, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the BGMEA, said expanding into Japan, South America, Korea, and the Middle East is strategically vital.
"Diversifying our market focus beyond Europe and the USA will make our export sector more resilient and open doors for other emerging industries," he noted.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem added, "Our non-traditional market share has been growing due to participation in several fairs. This move will further help diversify our business and markets. But we also need trade agreements with major partners to address post-LDC graduation challenges."
He said Japan remains a high-potential market. "Once the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is signed, exports are expected to rise significantly."
The seventh round of EPA negotiations between Japan and Bangladesh was held in Tokyo from September 3-12, covering trade in goods, rules of origin, services, investment, e-commerce, and intellectual property.
Mr Hatem also stressed the need for a dedicated R&D cell, initiated by the government or trade bodies, to analyse buyer-country demands, trends, challenges, and opportunities.
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