'SME Baishakhi Fair 1433' begins in Agargaon, scheduled to continue through 18 April
More than 150 stalls at the fair will showcase and sell products including handicrafts, jute goods, readymade garments and fashion items, agro-processed products, heritage products, ready-to-eat food and street food, artificial jewellery, leather goods, perfumes and lifestyle products by SME entrepreneurs.
A seven-day 'SME Baishakhi Fair 1433' has begun at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in the capital's Agargaon, under the initiative of the SME Foundation, and will continue until 18 April.
The fair was inaugurated this afternoon (12 April) by Industries, Commerce, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandkar Abdul Muktadir as the chief guest.
SME Foundation Chairperson and Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman presided over the event, while SME Foundation Board Member Shamim Ahmed attended as a special guest. SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The event was told that the fair has been organised to bring together the spirit of Bangla heritage, culture and festivity, offering a vibrant celebration of the new year in a safe and festive environment for families, friends and loved ones.
More than 150 stalls at the fair will showcase and sell products including handicrafts, jute goods, readymade garments and fashion items, agro-processed products, heritage products, ready-to-eat food and street food, artificial jewellery, leather goods, perfumes and lifestyle products by SME entrepreneurs.
Facilities include a kids' zone, balloon shooting, rickshaw games, indigenous and folk dances such as Gombhira and Manipuri, live T-shirt painting and drum performances.
A major attraction is the 'Taste of Bangladesh' corner, featuring traditional foods from eight districts of the country.
The fair also features cultural activities including shopping, live performances and folk traditions. It will remain open from 10am to 7pm, while on Pahela Baishakh the celebration will begin at 8am.
Entry tickets are priced in two categories: general tickets at Tk30 per day and an express ticket at Tk200 for seven days with free parking facilities.
Minister Muktadir said SME is the lifeblood of the economy and the government will increase the SME Foundation's Credit Wholesaling Programme fund from Tk300 crore to Tk2,000 crore.
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2024 economic survey, SME accounts for around 30% of the economy. Out of nearly 1.18 crore industrial establishments, around 99% are cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises. The sector accounts for around 85% of total industrial employment, with more than 3 crore people employed.
