The 10th version of the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) begins today with some 20 countries including host Bangladesh displaying their products.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is scheduled to inaugurate the fair, organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce.

Thailand has been allocated a 75-square-foot pavilion at the exposition ground as the country has been selected partner country of the DITF-2004. China was the partner country last year.

A total of 404 foreign and local stalls, pavilions and mini pavilions have installed at the monthlong DITF-2004 venue at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka, EPB sources said.

Of the 404 outlets, 38 are pavilions, 54 mini pavilions and 312 stalls.

EPB officials said 10 premier pavilions, 14 premier mini pavilions and 35 premier stalls have been allocated to local participants at some important and convenient places of the fair ground.

EPB officials said the exhibition will showcase a wide range of local and foreign products including machinery, equipment and materials for agriculture and gardening, carpet, chemical and allied products, cosmetics, dairy products, electrical and electronic items, food and groceries, gift items, handicrafts, home appliances, leather, leather goods and footwear, sports gear, sanitary ware, textile and garments, toys and stationery, watches and clocks, jewellery, ceramics, melamine, car and plastic products.

The countries taking part in the fair include the US, Germany, Japan, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Switzerland, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the UAE and host Bangladesh.

The exposition will remain open to visitors everyday from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10pm on holidays.

Like the previous year, the price of entry-ticket has been fixed at Tk 10 for adults and Tk 5 for minors. There will be no entry fee for children aged at two and below.