Paper and packaging named product of the year as 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair opens

The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) has opened, with paper and packaging being named as the product of the year as part of efforts to diversify Bangladesh's exports.

The fair, which was delayed by two days following the death of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, was inaugurated by Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin. The opening had originally been scheduled to be led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking at the inauguration, Bashir said the government was pursuing a range of measures to broaden Bangladesh’s export base, with sectors being designated as priority or special-priority based on their performance and potential.

He added that one product is selected each year as product of the year to encourage production, marketing and export growth, and for this year, paper and packaging products have been chosen.

Presiding over the event, the commerce advisor noted that Bangladesh had become an increasingly important participant in global trade. International trade fairs play a role in developing export products, expanding market access, strengthening economic diplomacy and attracting foreign investment, according to him.

The DITF has long served as a platform linking producers with consumers, entrepreneurs with investors and the country with international markets, he said, adding that the fair reflects Bangladesh’s progress in trade and industry and highlights its growing capacity to diversify production, from traditional handicrafts to technology-driven goods.

The event is being held at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau.

Single-use plastics, including polythene and plastic shopping bags, are banned at the fair, except for water bottles. Exhibitors found using plastic products will not be eligible for awards for best pavilion or stall.

This year’s fair also features “Bangladesh Square”, a photo exhibition commemorating the 1952 Language Movement, the Liberation War and those injured or killed during last year's July Uprising.

Seminars focusing on promising sectors and products are scheduled to be held during the fair.