Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir speaks at debriefing session at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. Photo : PID

DHAKA, July 27, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce, Industries and Jute and Textiles Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government will waive booth rent for small entrepreneurs participating in international trade fairs to help expand Bangladesh's exports.

Speaking as the chief guest at a debriefing session on the 10th China-South Asia Expo and the 30th China-Kunming Import-Export Fair 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, the minister said the initiative aims to enable more small businesses to showcase their products in global markets, said a press release.

He said small entrepreneurs play an immense role in the country's export sector but many are unable to participate in overseas exhibitions due to financial constraints.

Describing the present administration as a people-oriented government, Muktadir said a series of measures is being taken to make doing business easier for small entrepreneurs.

As part of the initiatives, he announced that the validity of trade licences will be extended to five years. 

He also said an online system is being developed to allow businesspeople to obtain trade licences from home.

The minister heard experiences and recommendations from entrepreneurs who took part in the Kunming fair and assured them of continued government support to strengthen export competitiveness.

The session was chaired by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif.

 Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan attended as the special guest.

Among others, Bangladesh Multi-Purpose Jute Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Md. Rashedul Karim Munna and Footwear & Leathergoods Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice-President Md. Nasir Khan also spoke.

Earlier, the minister and other guests unveiled the cover of a quarterly newsletter published by the EPB.