Sylhet Int'l Trade Fair big disappointment
On Thursday night, Abu Ahmed Showkat Ali, a local businessman, went to the month-long International Trade Fair with his wife and two sons in Sylhet Sadar upazila playground in Eidgah area.
His sons wanted to buy toys, but his wife, household products. She was adamant, so the sons compromised.
They went inside a stall, and to her utmost surprise, most of the products, though the stall boasted of selling foreign goods, were locally made and could be easily found at the outside stores. And to top it all off, the prices were hiked up.
“The fair is nothing but a way of snatching our money,” said a disappointed Showkat.
This was a common picture at the trade fair, which started on March 25, arranged by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI).
Around 220 stalls participated with different types of products, though most of them were readily available in malls, and makeshift shops, as the organisers did not take any quality measurement policy, visitors complained.
No local products were promoted nor any significant foreign products were showcased; still the fair was titled as “International”, they added.
“An international fair should be organised to showcase our products to the global market and vice-versa, which will encourage a quality competition among the vendors,” said Faruk Mahmud Chowdhury, president of the Sylhet chapter of Sujon.
Shafiul Alam Chowdhury, convener of the fair organising committee, and director of SMCCI, said, “We don't have any specific space to host a real 'International' level trade fair. We have requested the authorities concerned for a designated spot already. Also we couldn't declare any fixed roster for several hindrances like the recent HC stay order on the venue due to an ownership dispute.”
“Foreign participants have their demands too. They require a minimum four-month advance notification,” he said, adding, “We had also invited local manufacturers and traders.”
“…but the rents of the stalls are way high,” emphasised Faruk, adding, “The SMCCI should be more flexible.”
A general stall is about Tk 40-60 thousand, premium is around Tk 1 lakh, and pavilion is over Tk 1 lakh, depending on location, said fair officials.
Tanbhir Ahmed, an electronics goods importer, and a stall owner, said, “We sell products at a reasonable price, but the rent's too high. We had to charge more to gain profit.”
“The facilities for the vendors and visitors are not adequate enough. Too much heat and nor'westers are hampering the continuity. The security service is weak and there are not enough toilets at the premise,” he added.
“The rent has been predetermined by SMCCI. We hope, in future, we could arrange the fair more efficiently, overcoming all odds,” said Safiul.
Comments