DHAKA, Feb 14, 2024 (BSS) - State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu today said the government has taken different initiatives for promoting domestic handicrafts at international level.

"Initiatives are being taken to hold fairs in different countries around the world on Pahela Boishakh to create a global market for the handicrafts. Not only for diversification of export products, the government will organise the fairs abroad to highlight Bengali art and culture. Instructions have been given to all of our commercial councilors in 23 countries," he said.

The state minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the MCCI quarterly (January-March) lunch meeting at MCCI in the city.

In his speech, Titu said the government is launching several initiatives from the next month, including ensuring the name, price and milling dates of rice on rice sacks to ensure proper management of the market.

"Currently, the biggest challenge is market management. The Ministry of Commerce has taken the initiative to set up a smart marketing system for proper management. The reflections of the initiatives are expected to be seen from March," he added.

He, however, called on the big companies to supply food at fair prices during the Muslim holy month.

"The government does not want to control the market by policing. Market will operate on a demand-supply basis. But keep in mind that it is not a free market, but a controlled market," he added.

"The government will take other initiatives, including increasing the supply of TCB products. Measures are being taken so that no one can influence the price of products," he said.

MCCI President Kamran T Rahman presided over the event while MCCI former president Barrister Nihad Kabir, among others, was present on the occasion.