The Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF) steps into its nineteenth year this year. Since its inception in 1993, the fair has traced a long track, studded with stories of private entrepreneurship success.
In 1993, the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organised the first Chittagong Industrial Goods Fair, a five-day event from January 6 to 10 at MA Aziz Stadium gymnasium (former CJKP gymnasium). This fair was originally scheduled to be held in 1992.
The first fair saw 37 different business organisations participating, with 36 stalls. About 15,000 people visited the fair.
Inspired by the success of the first fair, CCCI organised the event again at the same venue for six days from November 23 to 27, in the same year. At the second fair, 68 different business organisations participated with 48 stalls. The number of visitors increased to at least 25,000.
Seeing the success of the two initial fairs held in the same year, CCCI decided to raise it to international level. In the year 1994, CCCI renamed it to Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF).
With the fair's expansion, it was shifted to the Railway Polo Ground in its seventh year in 1998. From that time, the fair has been contributing much to the business activities of Chittagong as well as the whole country.
Although it was called an international fair, it was not until 1997 when five countries -- China, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Bhutan -- joined.
At the new site, CITF saw major changes in its structure and looks, as traders, industrialists and manufacturers from various corners of Bangladesh and foreign countries thronged the fair with their products.
Organisers as well as the sellers and buyers treat it as a trading hub. To ensure better participation of foreign countries at the fair, CCCI selects a foreign nation as its partner every year. For the eighth time this year, Thailand has been participating at the expo as a partner country.
Secretary and Chief Executive of CCCI Osman Gani Chowdhury said the fair has opened up an era of open market for many participants. It has offered them a chance to explore business possibilities, worldwide. The fair attracts foreign investors and persuades local traders to develop their products, Chowdhury added.
Since inception, around 30 countries have participated in the fair, Gani said.
Akhter Hossain, director of the Pakistan pavilion at the fair, said they have been participating in the event for 15 years with great fascination. Through these kinds of exhibitions, he said they could exchange knowledge and business experience.
Maleeha Khanam, a housewife in Khulshi area, said like other city residents, she always waits eagerly for this fair. For the last eight to ten years, she and her family have been buying essential items from the fair as the prices are reasonable and the other facilities seem to impress them all, she added.
Faisal Islam, a senior officer of a private bank, said they get a chance to make an evaluation of various products at this fair. To attract consumers, sellers also offer attractive packages that are not otherwise available in the market, he added.
The salespersons at various stalls told The Daily Star that though it was a challenge for them, they have been participating successfully here. Crossing the barriers of competition, their products have gained the confidence of the consumers.
Local traders believe that participation of the foreign countries has created an environment of competition, which makes them bring in good quality products for the customers, they added.
However, despite preparations of all sorts this year, the fair is struggling to attract consumers. The tenure for the fair is halfway gone and it is frustrating for the participating organisations, said Akhter Hossain from Pakistan.
Every year they see people coming in crowds at the fair, but this year, visitor turnover has been low, he added. The fair organising committee officials said people are more interested in watching the World Cup matches this year. This is why there are thin crowds at the fair, they added. They hope the fair would gain momentum when the matches are over.
Though the fair is being held for nineteen consecutive years, the CCCI has to rent the Railway Polo Ground every year for this purpose. Their attempts to have a venue of their own have failed.
The CCCI sought allotment of a piece of land for the fair, said Chowdhury of the chamber. They urged the government to designate a permanent place for the fair. The government even assured of an arrangement soon, he added.
They also plan to arrange indoor fairs at the site under construction for the World Trade Centre of CCCI, throughout the year. They would organise item specific fairs in different sectors at the World Trade Centre. They hope this would create a business friendly atmosphere in the port city and address the space scarcity to host such expositions.
News Source: The Daily Star