The I4th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) begins today.

Organisers expect the participating companies to obtain Tk 100 crore spot orders during the month-long gathering for local and foreign traders.

They also expect business deals worth Tk 500 crore in the DITF-2009. Last year, local exporters received only Tk 20 crore spot orders.

The DITF is an annual programme, which mainly aims to showcase local products to foreign buyers. The Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is jointly organising the fair at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

। President Prof lajuddin Ahmed is scheduled to inaugu-t rate the fair.

Organisers have already allocated pavilions and stalls to the participants. This year, a total of 467 organisations, including 22 from seven other countries, are taking part in the fair. The foreign participants include India, Pakistan. Singapore, Thailand, USA. UAE. Japan and Germany, said EPB Vice Chairman Md Shahab Ullah at a press conference at the EPB conference room yesterday.

He said the exhibition will showcase a wide range of local and foreign products, including machinery and equipment, agriculture and gardening materials, carpets, chemicals 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. Shahab Ullah said all preparations for the fair have been completed.

The security agencies headed by commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will ensure security at the fair, he added.

The EPB official anticipates a good response from both local and foreign customers. He said, like other years, DITF-2009 will also get significant export orders from foreign buyers.

He added. "The amount of spot orders will be doubled to Tk 100 crore this year."

Sri Lanka is the partner country of DITF-2009. The exposition will remain open to visitors everyday from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10pm on holidays.

The price of entry-tickets has been fixed atTk 12 for adults and Tk 7 for minors.