The 4-day “South Asia Trade Fair 2025” has begun in Dhaka with the participation of SAARC countries. Where products and services from the best brands of South Asia, including fashion and lifestyle products, electronics products, cosmetics, jewelry, processed food, technology products, home appliances and kitchenware, are available under one roof.
Commerce Secretary Mr. Mahbubur Rahman inaugurated the fair at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital at 11 am on Thursday (September 18, 2025).
The fair is organized by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have cooperated in this.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman sees this fair as an important platform for exchanging new ideas, knowledge, technology and experience between South Asian countries and businessmen and entrepreneurs.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the fair, he said, “I hope this gathering of South Asian countries will further strengthen our regional trade and economy.”
The Commerce Secretary said that other economic alliances in the world have been formed with the aim of expanding trade and commerce among themselves by removing existing barriers. We have not yet been able to start that practice in South Asia. At this time, he called on businessmen and entrepreneurs of South Asian countries to work together to build a strong economic alliance.
Mr. Hassan Arif, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), suggested organizing such trade fairs in other big cities like Dubai instead of organizing them only bilaterally. He highlighted EPB’s plans to organize fairs with local entrepreneurs and brand their products and services.
Speaking at the event, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Md. Jasim Uddin said, “World trade is changing rapidly. New challenges are coming our way. We need to work more organizationally to strengthen regional trade and economy.”
Speaking at the event, the SAARC Chamber President highlighted the diverse resources, raw materials and manpower of South Asian countries, including their potential. Md. Jasim Uddin called on businessmen of SAARC countries to work together to strengthen regional trade and economy.
Present at the event, Mr. Bhavesh R. Trivadi, Director of SAARC Secretariat (Economy, Trade and Finance), said, “South Asia’s contribution to the economy of the entire Asia is significant.” He said that it is possible to utilize the trade potential of the region by building strong networking and connectivity among themselves.
In addition to expanding regional trade and investment, FBCCI Secretary General Mr. Md. Alamgir called on SAARC countries to reduce the existing trade deficit among themselves. He mentioned that it is possible to develop South Asia as a strong economic bloc by removing trade barriers and building bridges among themselves.
Business leaders of various chambers and associations, diplomats, representatives of SAARC chambers and FBCCI and others were present at the inaugural ceremony.
