Month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair kicks off

The month-long 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DIFT) 2026 kicked off at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal on Saturday, two days behind schedule following the demise of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest while Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Abdur Rahim Khan were present as the special guests. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif delivered the opening remarks. The Ministry of Commerce and the EPB have jointly organised the fair.
At the fair, the commerce adviser declared paper and packaging goods as the 'Product of the Year' for 2026, aiming to promote the sector in view of its potential in both local and global markets.
He said as part of steps to diversify the country's export basket, the government has been implementing various programmes, including accelerating export promotion and incentive-based activities for different sectors. As part of this initiative, one product is declared 'Product of the Year' annually.
"Through this process, necessary measures are taken to encourage the production and marketing of the declared product. This time, I am declaring paper and packaging products as the 'Product of the Year' for 2026," he said.
Mr Bashir Uddin further said that Bangladesh has become an important partner in global trade. He said the purpose of organising international trade fairs is to develop and diversify export products, explore new international markets, establish market linkages, strengthen economic diplomacy, expand international cooperation, and achieve sustainable economic growth by attracting foreign investment through enhancing the country's positive image.
"Such fairs strengthen Bangladesh's brand image and create a positive perception about the country. This fair reflects our progress in trade, industry, and economic development, and showcases our capacity for product diversification-from traditional handicrafts to modern, technology-driven manufacturing," he said.
By participating in this fair, entrepreneurs would gain insights into new markets, become familiar with international standards and technologies, and find opportunities for product development, he said. "I hope that active participation by entrepreneurs will make the trade fair successful and contribute significantly to the country's export growth."
Mr Mahbubur Rahman said Bangladesh is preparing to embrace the challenges arising from its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category. The country is negotiating with different countries for signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), he said, adding that such an agreement with Japan will be signed next month.
He also said moves are underway to discuss obtaining GSP Plus facilities from European countries, a major global market for Bangladeshi exports.
Highlighting the need to expand Bangladesh's global footprint, FBCCI Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan said although there are over 76 foreign missions of Bangladesh, there are only 21 commercial missions. "We believe that if our commercial missions can be established in a few more promising countries, our business community will gain greater advantages in creating market linkages abroad," he said.
Mr Hasan Arif said all types of single-use plastics, polythene bags, and plastic shopping bags-except water bottles--have been banned at the fair. Participating businesses, who will use polythene or plastic products, even for their own use, will not be eligible for any awards related to best pavilion or stall, he said.
As many as 327 pavilions and stalls, including 11 foreign organisations, have been participating in the fair.
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