DNCC introduces first holiday market

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) on Friday launched its first holiday market in the city's Agargaon, with special focus on promoting the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The city authorities will gradually introduce such market across the 54 wards upon success of the first venture (holiday market).

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi inaugurated the holiday market along the streets near Election Commission building, a statement says, adding DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam presided over the opening ceremony.

The market will sit on every Friday and Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Tipu Munshi underlined the need for including women entrepreneurs in the holiday market.

"Take necessary measures so that the businesswomen can make progress with their ventures," he said.

Stressing proper management of the holiday market, he said, the DNCC will replicate its success to a wider level.

Atiqul Islam said the DNCC in collaboration with the Oikko Foundation launched the holiday market on a pilot basis aiming to promote small and medium (SME) enterprises.

"Should the pilot programme like this one becomes successful, we will set up such holiday markets in all 54 wards of the DNCC within a short period," said the mayor.

Like the holiday markets in developed countries, the DNCC holiday market will offer better goods at reasonable prices, he hoped.

The SME entrepreneurs can sell their merchandise directly to the customers from their stalls in the market; as a result there will be no middlemen to inflate the prices, said Mr Islam.

The holiday market accommodates 100 stalls, where will be available leather and jute goods, handicrafts, fashion and lifestyle products, home decor, organic items, agricultural products, food and beverages, the statement adds.

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