CHATTOGRAM, Mar 01: The month-long Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF) has gained momentum in the port city after Shab-e-Barat in late February as many opt for Eid shopping in advance.
Particularly on weekends, large crowds gather at the fair on the Railway Polo Ground.
The Chittagong Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) has organised the trade exhibition this year, continuing a tradition spanning 30 years.
CCCI President Omar Hazzaz said, "VIPs, members of parliament and elites, including journalists and teachers, have visited the CITF this year and expressed satisfaction with its organisation."
He said the CITF committee has prioritised maintaining law and order, and discipline at the venue and surrounding areas since the fair's opening.
This has facilitated a safe environment for visitors. Besides, this year's arrangements for women and children have surpassed those of previous years, fostering greater interest among the public and businesses in participating, commented the trade body leader.
"The fair provides an opportunity for businesses from both Chattogram and the rest of the country to showcase their products to the international business community," he added.
AKM Akter Hossain, chairman of this year's edition, said, "The CCCI has successfully organised the international trade fair for 31 consecutive years. The government will allocate a permanent venue for the CCCI's international trade fair. I hope the CCCI will be able to utilise this permanent venue for future fairs."
Ahid Seraj Swapon, co-chairman of CITF 2024, said, "A temporary police camp has been established to ensure visitor safety. Visitors are enjoying the fair and purchasing necessary items."
Small trader Saifuddin Khaled, who hails from Noakhali, is selling his handicrafts outside the CITF. He expressed satisfaction with sales this year.
Salil Chakma brought tribal handicrafts from Rangamati that attracted strong foreign interest. He believes that if some foreigners invest in promoting tribal handicrafts in Chittagong Hill Tracts, it could improve the economic conditions of the tribal communities.
Dev Dulal, a handicraft trader from Cumilla, reported selling around Tk0.1 million worth of local garments daily during the fair.
School teacher Md Shamsuddin said he visits the CITF to spend his evenings and enjoy gatherings.
Housewife Jostnaa Begum expressed her wish for the CCCI to extend the fair's duration, as it has done in previous years.
Four foreign countries - India, Thailand, China and Iran - are participating in the fair. Companies from these countries are represented at the event.
The fair features 16 premier pavilions, 56 premier stalls, 94 gold stalls, 48 mega stalls, 11 food stalls, 3 separate zones and 400 general stalls, with a total of 310 companies participating.
Besides, a female industrial zone, a covered zone for information technology (IT) and a children's entertainment area will be set up to enhance the fair's appeal for both visitors and participants. The CITF is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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