With the aim of expanding global markets for export-oriented industries and in line with the government’s market diversification strategy, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has taken the initiative to organise a new international sourcing fair.

The event, titled “Sourcing Bangladesh 2025”, will be held every November for three days at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, near Dhaka.

“For the first time, we are going to organise the fair to introduce our exportable items to global buyers,” EPB Vice Chairman Md Anwar Hossain told Daily Sun.

“We have many products such as garments, leather and leather goods, jute and jute items, agro-products, and pharmaceuticals. Through this fair, we want to showcase these to the global market. Only exporters from both home and abroad will take part and display their products. We will also arrange business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions during the fair. We hope it will be a success.”

The decision to host the fair was approved at the 148th meeting of the EPB Board of Directors, chaired by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, held at its conference room in the capital on Monday.

Explaining the rationale, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said during the meeting, “If we do not organise such a sourcing fair, the international recognition of domestic products will not increase, and our capacity will not grow.”

He also stressed the need for greater promotional efforts through Bangladesh’s embassies abroad.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin emphasised a strategic approach to overseas trade fair participation. “We need to analyse each fair carefully. Participation should be effective where there is genuine potential to expand markets for our products,” he said. “We must focus not only on attending fairs, but also on strengthening the country’s business image and expanding trade.”

DITF renamed Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF)

The EPB has also decided to change the name of the long-running Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) to Dhaka Trade Fair (DTF).

The DITF began in 1995 with the objective of bringing together international and domestic buyers and sellers, showcasing quality products and technologies, and introducing them to the local market through direct participation of foreign companies.

However, officials noted that in recent years many foreign firms have participated through local agents or individuals rather than official delegations.

As a result, the quality of products and services has often been questionable, with substandard items being presented under foreign brand names. This has led to buyer dissatisfaction, weakened the fair’s international appeal, and damaged its brand image.

Foreign buyers and visitors have shown declining interest, while local entrepreneurs have missed opportunities to learn about global market trends and technologies.

Speaking to Daily Sun, EPB Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain clarified that the DTF will continue to be held in January as a platform mainly for local businesses, while the new Sourcing Bangladesh fair will focus on attracting foreign buyers.

The meeting also approved the trade fair calendar for FY26 and a partial calendar for FY27 for participation in international trade fairs organised by the EPB.

Since 1995, the Ministry of Commerce and EPB have jointly organised the DITF to promote export growth and market diversification. The 2025 edition was the third to be held at its new venue in Purbachal, following the relocation from Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in 2022.

Traditionally, the DITF has featured a wide range of products, including textiles, electronics, furniture, handicrafts, and processed foods. This year’s fair hosted 362 stalls and pavilions, with participation from seven countries – India, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong – where a variety of products were showcased.

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