DITF drops curtain today

The month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair-2020 (DITF) ends today after extension of 6 days of trading from scheduled date of closure on January 1.  
Earlier Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi had closed the DITF on February 3 as the extension was given only at last minute on pressure from traders taking part in the fair on the plea that their sales had suffered for several holidays.
Export Promotion Bureau and the ministry of commerce organized the fair to show case the country's export to local and international buyers and boost local manufacturing.
However, majority of the traders at the fair expressed frustration, saying they did not get any export order. They fear that the DITF was losing appeal to attract potential foreign participants to buy and make spot orders.
A total of 38 organizations and individuals have been awarded in 13 categories at this year's trade fair.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier inaugurated the fair earlier on January 1.
A total 26 foreign companies participated in the fair from China, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Iran, South Korea, Thailand, the USA, Pakistan, Turkey and Singapore.
This year a total of 555 business houses opened stalls. It included 20 women's stalls, 55 Premier pavilions, 35 Premier mini pavilions, 15 common pavilions, 25 common mini pavilions, 62 premier stalls, 9 reserved pavilions, mini pavilions, food stalls and 195 general stalls.