11th edition of BAPA FoodPro begins today

The 11th edition of the BAPA FoodPro International Expo began today at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka, showcasing food processing and packaging technologies from home and abroad.

The three-day international event will run until September 12.

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Food Minister Afroza Khanam inaugurated the exhibition, which is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association (BAPA) and Rainbow Exhibition & Event Management Services Ltd.

More than 200 brands from 27 countries are participating in this year’s event and the organisers expect to attract over 24,000 visitors this time.

Participating countries include Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the food minister said, “Bangladeshi food products are now being exported to markets around the world with a strong reputation. We have the potential to earn substantial foreign exchange in the coming days through the agro-processing and food processing sectors.”

“We are working towards achieving this goal. International exhibitions of this kind help build bridges among businesses from different countries and will play an important role in increasing Bangladesh’s exports,” she said.

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of the expo organising committee and chief executive officer, said, “Bangladesh’s food-processing industry is undergoing a significant transformation. To address rising production costs, energy constraints, supply-chain complexities and increasing competition in international markets, industrial enterprises must rapidly strengthen their technological capabilities.”

“The adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine vision and smart-factory technologies will help improve productivity, ensure product quality and reduce waste.”

He added, “The BAPA FoodPro International Expo allows entrepreneurs to explore modern technologies, machinery, materials, potential international partners and new industry insights under one roof.”

Chowdhury said the exhibition will play an important role in improving efficiency and developing sustainable operations across the entire value chain, from production and processing to packaging, warehousing, cold-chain management and logistics.

BAPA President Mahbub Anam said the adoption of modern technologies and compliance with international standards are essential for the advancement of Bangladesh’s agro-processing and food-processing sectors.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors from 10am to 7pm on September 10 and 11, and from 10am to 6:30pm on September 12.