Written by The Banking Post
The government has unveiled a plan to support Bangladeshi exporters from eight key sectors in participating at 46 international trade fairs during fiscal year 2025-26, as part of its strategy to diversify export products and reduce dependence on traditional markets in the USA and European Union.
In a landmark move, Bangladesh will also host its first Global Sourcing Expo—branded as Sourcing Bangladesh—on December 1–3 in Dhaka, bringing top international buyers and brands directly to local exporters.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), companies from sectors including ready-made garments (RMG), textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, seafood, furniture, handicrafts, and ICT will be provided both financial and logistical support. The initiative aims to expand exports into East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
“Considering major and potential products, we set a target to participate in 46 fairs this year, up from 36 last year. Early bookings give us access and discounts,” said Mahmudul Hasan, EPB director (Fair).
To encourage participation, subsidies will cover fair fees: 30% for large exporters, 40% for medium firms, 50% for SMEs, and 60% for women-owned businesses.
The upcoming Sourcing Bangladesh expo will feature 200 exporters and at least 50 global buyers, alongside B2B matchmaking sessions, technology seminars, and networking events. Booths will cost just $1,000—well below the $4,000–$5,000 charged internationally—while hospitality packages including accommodation and transport will be offered to foreign buyers.
EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif called the event “a landmark in linking Bangladeshi exporters with global buyers” and noted that the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has pledged to continue the initiative.
This year’s schedule includes 17 fairs for RMG and textiles across Japan, Canada, Australia, the USA, and Italy. Beyond apparel, exporters will also join leather and footwear shows in Hong Kong, seafood expos in Spain, pharmaceuticals events in Dubai and Nigeria, and diversified product fairs in China, Malaysia, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia.
Industry leaders welcomed the move but stressed further action.
“Diversifying into Japan, South America, Korea, and the Middle East is crucial,” said former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel. “It will strengthen resilience and open doors for other emerging industries.”
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem added that trade deals must complement the fair strategy.
“Non-traditional markets are already growing thanks to these fairs. But we need Economic Partnership Agreements, especially with Japan, to secure duty-free access after LDC graduation,” he said.
Bangladesh and Japan recently held the seventh round of EPA negotiations in Tokyo, covering trade in goods, services, investment, e-commerce, and intellectual property.
Hatem also called for a government- or industry-led R&D cell to track market trends and buyer demand.
