International SME Fair begins in Chattogram

A three-day international fair on small and medium enterprises (SME) has kicked off in Chattogram today.

Commerce Secretary Dr Md Jafar Uddin inaugurated the fair under the slogan "Combined initiative rich Bangladesh."  

The Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries has organised the fair at the World Trade Centre in the port city's Agrabad area.

Different stalls including those of handmade bags, belts, wallets, shoes, ornaments, Jamdani saree, shawls, plastic products, processed food have set up pavilions in the fair.

Jafar Uddin said readymade garments is the biggest industrial sector in our country, which is followed by the leather sector.

Besides, the small and medium enterprises are contributing to the economy too, he said, adding the government is also facilitating entrepreneurs in the leather, plastic, light engineering and ICT sectors providing them with different kinds of incentives.

Bangladesh Bank's Executive Director AKM Mahiuddin Azad and Chattogram chambers' Senior Assistant President Ahid Siraz Chowdhury spoke at the event, while the chamber's President Mahbubul Alam presided over the event.

Many small entrepreneurs including Rangamati's Komor Tant, Rangpur's Shatoranji have participated in the fair. 

Chief Executive Md Tasnim Alam of Shabab Leather, a Dhaka-based enterprise, said they have been taking part in the fair for the last three years. 

They received orders for leather goods worth Tk40 lakh in the fair last year.

The fair remains open to all from 10 am to 8 pm every day.