‘Trade fairs key to boost economic growth’
Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Mashiur Rahman has said trade fairs play a vital role in keeping a country’s economy active.
They not only facilitate the buying and selling of products but also create a unique bridge between producers and buyers.
He said such fairs were important for showcasing product quality, assessing market demand and attracting new customers. The contribution of women entrepreneurs to the country’s economic development was now undeniable. Through their talent, hard work and creativity, women were becoming self-reliant and contributing to the national economy by creating new jobs, he added.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the month-long Creative Products and Trade Fair organised by the Sylhet Women Chamber at the Shahi Eidgah ground in the city on Thursday.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Chamber President Lubana Yasmin Shampa. Special guests included Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim (BPM), Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, District Police Superintendent Dr Chowdhury Md Jaber Sadek, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat, Women’s Chamber Director Sama Haque Chowdhury and Sylhet Press Club Vice-President MA Hannan.
At the beginning of the programme, Women’s Chamber Vice-President Aleya Ferdousi Tuli delivered the welcome address.
Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim said the main goal should be to create opportunities for marketing products made by women entrepreneurs.
“Many women entrepreneurs produce excellent, high-quality products but struggle to reach consumers because of inadequate marketing facilities. This month-long trade fair organised by the Sylhet Women Chamber has created an opportunity for them to showcase and promote their handicrafts, local textiles and other creative products,” he said.
He added that the fair would enable entrepreneurs to learn directly about buyers’ needs and preferences, helping them improve product quality.
Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun said people generally viewed fairs as places for buying and selling and calculating profits and losses. However, a trade fair was not merely a means of conducting business or generating economic returns; it was also closely linked to entertainment and cultural enjoyment, he said.
“In today’s modern and increasingly mechanical world, our lives are gradually becoming confined within four walls. When people become tired of work pressure and busy schedules, fresh air, joy and entertainment help refresh their minds,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of recreation in promoting mental well-being and strengthening family bonds, he described the fair as a “two-in-one” initiative. On the one hand, it provides women entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase and market their products directly to consumers; on the other, it offers city residents a place to spend enjoyable time with their families, he added.
