EPB gets cos\\\' lukewarm response for DITF \\\'14

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is set to start Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2014 from 1st January despite concern over its success amid the ongoing political turmoil ahead of the general election, said officials concerned.
EPB, under the Ministry of Commerce, has floated tender inviting applications from interested participants for allotment of different categories of stalls, pavilions, mini pavilions, and ticketing and other facilities.
However, the bureau got lesser response from companies this year, they added.
"We will arrange the next DITF in time, like we did in the past years. There is no scope of shifting the month-long trade fair to February," EPB vice-chairman Shubhashish Bose told the FE Tuesday.
He also said RAB and police will provide required security for the fair as they did in previous years.
Meanwhile, officials of different leading companies, taking part in every DITF from its inception in 1996, said they have verbally expressed deep concern over the success of the next DITF, if it is arranged just ahead of the election.
But, but the authorities concerned showed little response regarding their apprehension, they said.
"I'm in doubt over arrangement of sufficient security for DITF, as members of the law-enforcing agencies will be deployed across the country to hold the general election peacefully. People will not come to the fair, if adequate security is not ensured," Kamruzzaman Kamal, marketing director of PRAN RFL Group, told the FE.
"Besides, people will remain busy with the poll, and the situation might turn volatile anytime. As a result, people might not feel interested to visit the fair," he added.
A high official of Asian Textile, which earned gold medals for outstanding participation in different DITFs, said they are not optimistic about the success of the fair, if it is arranged in January.
"The country's political scenario might turn worse ahead of the general election. In such a violent situation people will not come to DITF, which will make the fair a failure."
"Besides, participation of foreign companies and buyers in the fair is also uncertain amid the prevailing volatile situation and uncertainty regarding the upcoming days. Lower participation of foreign buyers will surely hamper the ultimate goal of DITF," he added.
According to EPB data, it received only 29 applications against 42 premier stalls, 50 against 54 premier pavilions, 27 against 44 premier mini pavilions, 13 against 13 general pavilions, 30 against 44 general mini pavilions, and 250 against 213 general stalls. Besides, the bureau received only one application for ticketing.
However, member secretary of the fair arrangement committee and EPB deputy director (finance) Dr Bikorn Kumar Ghosh said his office is getting ready to complete all formalities of the fair within November 20.
"We are scrutinising the applications, and are hopeful of completing all necessary work within November, 20," he added.
However, he could not explain what the authority will do, if some bidders fail to qualify after scrutiny, as EPB received less than required applications.