The 17th International Plastic Fair has kicked off at Bangladesh’s largest commercial expo village, ICCB Expo Village Bangladesh. This four-day event features over 800 stalls from both local and international companies and will continue until Saturday.
The fair was inaugurated on Wednesday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) by Sheikh Bashir Uddin, the trade adviser, as the chief guest.
Special guests included Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, commerce secretary (acting), and Md. Jashim Uddin, president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The event was presided over by Shamim Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).
Companies from Bangladesh, China, Germany, India, Italy, Vietnam, Turkey, Japan, and other countries are showcasing their products and technologies at the fair. The event is jointly organized by BPGMEA and the Hong Kong-based Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin remarked, "Plastic has both good and bad sides. Our responsibility is to promote sustainable plastic while eliminating harmful plastic. Additionally, we need to enhance the use of potential alternatives like jute." He also emphasized reducing unnecessary plastic packaging where possible. "Furthermore, approximately 1.2 million people are employed in Bangladesh’s plastic industry, with around 6,000 companies operating in this sector. The industry contributes about $5 billion annually in exports and continues to show strong growth, making it one of Bangladesh’s most promising sectors."
Md. Jashim Uddin, President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "In today’s world, it is impossible to imagine life without plastic. It is used in almost everything, even in clothing production. In some cases, plastic products help reduce deforestation by replacing wood-based alternatives. The level of plastic usage in a country often indicates its stage of development."
COUNTRY'S LARGEST "EXPO VILLAGE"
ICCB Expo Village Bangladesh, the country's largest commercial exhibition center, has quickly become a hub for organizers, entrepreneurs, and visitors since its launch. Spanning 134,000 square feet, this fully air-conditioned, multipurpose venue accommodates a wide range of events, from fairs and exhibitions to seminars, corporate retreats, and weddings. With a capacity to host over 10,000 people, it stands as the largest indoor gathering space in Bangladesh.
According to officials, ICCB Expo Village Bangladesh can accommodate up to 10,000 people for graduations and conferences, 12,000 for concerts, and 9,000 for weddings, along with any other type of event. The venue is equipped with ample parking space, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, strict security measures, and other modern amenities. Open year-round, ICC Expo Village is available for hosting a wide range of events.
ICCB Expo Village's Chief Operating Officer (COO), M.M. Jasim Uddin, said, "ICCB Expo Village is the largest shed in Bangladesh. It is not just for exhibitions; various events such as conferences, graduations, exam halls, fairs, and other programs can be held here. It is the largest air-conditioned shed not only in Bangladesh but also in South Asia."
Source: The Daily Kaler Kantho
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
