1st Nat'l Industrial Fair kicks off today

The 1st National Industrial Fair-2019 begins in the city today (Sunday) aiming to showcase local products and expand its market globally.
Some 300 entrepreneurs including small, medium, large, cottage and handicraft will take part in the seven-day exposition.
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun disclosed it while speaking at a press conference held at the ministry's conference room in the city on Saturday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the fair as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC).
Jute products, agricultural processed food, leather goods, electrical and electronics, light engineering, IT and plastic and synthetic goods, handicraft, design and fashion wear will be put on display in the fair.
Imported products won't go on display in this expo which is its specialty, the industries minister said in his written speech.
Of the total participants, 116 entrepreneurs are female while 107 male.
Visitors will have free entry to the fair which will remain open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.
A seminar on 'Fourth Industrial Revolution: Potential for Bangladesh Economy' will be held on April 01 on the sidelines of the exposition.
The industries minister told the press conference that not only small industries but also many hi-tech parks have been set up in the country. "It is necessary to promote and expand the market of their goods."
Considering this necessity, the ministry has initiated the fair. It will contribute to local industries, he added.
"We want to organise an international-standard fair for the entrepreneurs that will help boost investment in the country," he also said.
Bangladesh has turned into an industry-based country from agriculture one. Currently, the contribution of the industries sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 33.71 per cent that will increase to 40 per cent soon, the minister also mentioned.
While talking about recent fire incidents, he said those who are responsible for the fire incident at Banani FR Tower will be brought to book.
Referring to the fire incident at Gulshan DNCC kitchen market on Saturday morning, he said the fire also broke out at the same market earlier.
The government is investigating the cause of such fire, the minister said, adding that they believe they will be able to resolve these crises.
Industries Secretary Md Abdul Halim, among others, was present at the press conference.
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