From now on the country will be able to organise more international exhibitions including the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) as the newly-constructed China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Centre (CBFEC) was handed over to the local authorities concerned.
The centre is now fully ready to host any mega events like the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) as the construction firm of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has handed over the centre built on 20 acres of land in Purbachal to the government.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said this while addressing a ceremony organized in connection with the handing over of the centre complex to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) by the Chinese company on Sunday.
He said, “The centre would host events -- fairs, product expositions, and sourcing programmes throughout the year in future. China will also exhibit its products there twice a year.”
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) undertook the project at a cost of Tk 1303.5 crore, with the Chinese government providing Tk 625.70 crore in grant aid. The government spent Tk 231 crore.
Apart from hosting the DITF, the government can now organize any large exhibition of exportable goods throughout the year.
He said it would not be possible to hold the 26th Dhaka International Trade Fair slated for March 17 although the EPB has completed all preparations to stage the event at the newly-constructed centre in Purbachal.
“We have taken preparations to start the fair on March 17 but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the prime minister has asked to proceed a bit slowly. I hope we can hold the fair at some times this year,” said the commerce minister.
The centre has a total of 3300 squire-meters space and the total scope of the exhibition hall is 15, 418 squire-meters that can accommodate 800 stalls. It also has a parking space of 7,912 square meters where 500 vehicles can be parked at a time.
Besides, there is an open space with a facility of parking 1,000 cars. The centre has a 473-seated multi-functional hall, 50-seated conference room, six negotiation meeting rooms, a 500-seated restaurant, playing space for children, and prayer facilities.
The centre has also its water treatment plant, automated central AC system, in-built internet/WiFi facility, and electronic entry gates.
