DITF participants see lower sales for second year running

The 27th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF), which ends today at its new venue in Dhaka's Purbachal, may have seen a higher turnout but overall sales were lower compared to when the monthlong event was held in Agargaon, according to participants.

"A lot of visitors came to the fair but sales were not satisfactory," said Tafazzal Hossain Sarker, senior assistant general manager of Alloy Aluminium Furniture Limited.

Compared to when the fair was held in Agargaon, sales have decreased by around 60 per cent this time around, he added, citing how potential visitors are discouraged by the event's now remote location.

Sarker then said another reason behind the lower sales is that people are spending less amid the ongoing inflationary pressure stemming from global economic crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

Another reason behind the lower sales is that people are spending less amid the ongoing inflationary pressure stemming from global crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine war

Mohammad Forhad, deputy managing director of SKB Stainless Steel Mills Limited, said this year's DITF has gone well for them.

However, he too opined that the number of visitors was higher when the event was held in Agargaon.

"But in the future, the fair will be good," he added.

Saidur Rahman, the owner of Raihan fashion, said they saw higher sales in the last four to five days.

"Due to various reasons, including communication problems, sales at this year's fair have been 20 per cent less than normal," he added.

Mohammad Sahin Alam, manager of Exclusive Home Tex Industries Limited, said companies mainly participate in the fair for promoting their brands.

"So, from that point of view, we are happy," he added.

Md Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau, said around 30 lakh people visited the fair this year.

The closing ceremony will be held today with Jute and Textiles Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi expected to attend as chief guest.

A total of 315 stalls and 57 pavilions were set up at the event this year. Of them, around 17 stalls were operated by foreign companies from 10 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, South Korea.

Asked about the total amount of export orders received through the fair, Chowdhury said the data is being compiled and could be announced today.

Regarding the turnout, Salauddin Bhuiyan, owner of Abdullah and Sons, who got the lease for the fair's entrance gate, said the number of visitors was actually lower as around 11.50 lakh tickets were sold.

"Last year, some 10 lakh tickets were sold," he added.