Professional trade fair strategy key to boosting exports: EPB
Bangladesh must diversify its export basket and adopt a more professional approach to international trade fairs to remain competitive in the global market, said Hasan Arif, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, on Saturday.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Effective Participation in International Trade Fair” at Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram, he warned that the country’s heavy reliance on the readymade garment sector exposes the economy to external risks and global market shocks.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Export Promotion Bureau and the Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Arif said the garment sector currently contributes around 81.5 percent of Bangladesh’s nearly $48 billion annual export earnings, creating an overly concentrated export structure.
He also raised concerns over market dependency, noting that nearly 44 percent of the country’s exports go to the European Union while competing nations continue to secure more favourable free trade agreements.
“If global supply chains are disrupted or tariff policies change, Bangladesh could face serious economic challenges due to its dependence on limited products and markets,” he said.
Highlighting opportunities in non-traditional sectors, he said agro-products especially fruits – are emerging as promising export items. Fruit exports reached nearly $100 million during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year through April, he added.
He also said product such as custard apple, cashew nuts and coffee offer greater local value addition compared to industries dependent on imported raw materials.
The EPB vice chairman also announced enhanced incentives for women entrepreneurs, saying female participants can receive up to a 60 percent concession for joining international trade fairs.
Expressing disappointment over the low participation of Chattogram-based businesses in recent global exhibitions, he urged the Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry to take a stronger role in promoting exporters from the region.
He emphasised that proper preparation and professionalism are essential for success at international exhibitions.
“International trade fairs are not sightseeing events,” he said, urging exporters to spend at least two to four months researching consumer demand, market trends and cultural preferences before attending overseas fairs.
Citing Japan as an example, he said exporters targeting that market should focus on lighter and minimalist designs instead of the bright colours commonly preferred in Bangladesh.
Arif also highlighted the importance of business etiquette abroad, particularly in Japan, where improper handling of business cards can harm professional relationships.
To improve Bangladesh’s global trade fair performance, the Export Promotion Bureau is considering increasing its annual participation from 46 to over 50 international exhibitions selected from around 200 global fairs.
He further announced that the EPB is preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to define the responsibilities of exporters, EPB officials and commercial counsellors at Bangladeshi missions abroad for better coordination before, during and after trade fairs.
