Multi-sectoral fairs open focusing on industrialisation

Concurrent exhibitions focusing on products needed in various sectors such as food, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, power, renewable energy, lighting, construction and real estate kicked off in Dhaka yesterday. 

Launching the fairs, which would run till 8:00pm tomorrow, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun hoped that they would draw local and international investment, expedite industrialisation and increase export and foreign currency earnings.

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Over 250 companies from eight countries are showcasing their products using about 350 stalls at the exhibitions, organised by CEMS-Global USA in association with CEMS Bangladesh, at International Convention City Bashundhara.

The minister urged local and international entrepreneurs to invest in food processing, citing that there were huge opportunities in both domestic and global markets. "We can take the opportunity to produce quality food," he said.

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) is working to create a science-based food safety management system to support the government's Vision 2021 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030, said BFSA Chairman Abdul Qayyum Sarkar.

The BFSA promotes participation and integration of efforts by public and private organisations, including food regulatory authorities, players in the food sector, and other stakeholders, he said.

The country is going through a period of unprecedented economic progress and the living standards of the population are improving rapidly, ‍said AHM Ahsan, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Export Promotion Bureau.

He said numerous domestic and foreign manufacturers would be represented at these exhibitions, which would surely enhance networking among businesses.

Such exhibits showcase Bangladesh's potential in industry and commerce, said Syed Ershad Ahmed, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh.

The shows will be crucial in the growth of Bangladesh's health tourism sector, said Dr V M Thomas, chairman of the Chennai Fertility Center and Research Institute.

He anticipated that these would enhance Bangladesh's image in the global market and help give a boost to investors' confidence.

A number of entrepreneurs stated that they were participating mainly to find new customers and promote their products.

One of them was Abul Hossain Jibon, managing director and chief executive officer of A Hossain International, which focuses on domestic and industrial water treatment plants.

''I have been working in this sector since 2001. I come to these exhibitions mainly to increase familiarity. Also, to find new customers. A lot of businessmen come to this fair. Look around ‍and compare…Which product is perfect for him or her," he said.

Like him, Saiful Islam, chief executive officer of Lite Weight Concrete, was selling products as suggested by his company's name.

He said his products could be used for walls, floors and ceilings and had a number of beneficial characteristics, such as being light in weight, weather and fire proof, termite resistant, providing superior thermal insulation and having a low water absorption capacity.