DHAKA, Sept 18, 2025 (BSS) - A four-day 'South Asia Trade Fair-2025' has begun today at the International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city with the participation of firms of SAARC member countries.

The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), with support from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is organising the fair.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman attended the inaugural session as the guest of honour while EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, President of SCCI Md Jashim Uddin and FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir, among others, spoke on the occasion.

The fair is showcasing a diverse range of products, including ready-made garments and textiles, gems and jewelry, cosmetics, leather goods, home appliances and kitchenware, processed food, and electronics.

Open to visitors from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, the fair will run until Sunday.

In addition to product exhibitions, the event features B2B matchmaking sessions, business networking opportunities, and various programmes aimed at enhancing trust and promoting knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs from across the SAARC region.

Participating countries include Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Organisers believe the fair will play a crucial role in strengthening regional connectivity, which remains vital for boosting trade within South Asia.

Despite its potential, intra-regional trade among SAARC nations remains significantly low. The trade fair aims to address this gap by fostering closer business ties and showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of participating countries.