The fourth Chittagong Apparel, Fabric and Accessories Exposition (Cafaxpo)-2006 begins here on Saturday.

Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury will inaugurate the three-day fair at CJKS Gymnasium.

"Last time, we received spot orders worth over 26 lakh US dollars. But this year we expect more,” said SM Abu Taiyeb, first vice president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the organiser of Cafaxpo-2006, at a press briefing yesterday.

About 38 business firms from both home and abroad will be taking part in this year's fair to showcase their products such as textile, fabric, accessory and machinery, the BGMEA leader said.

He also said a seminar styled 'WTO Hong Kong Ministerial: Our Road Map' will be held on the sidelines of the fair.

Advisor to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reaz Rahman, former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, former industries minister Tofail Ahmed, and former state minister for planning Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir also are expected to participate in the seminar. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman will moderate the seminar.