Dhaka:The "Global Sourcing Expo Dhaka 2026" will take place from November 15 to 17 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal. The event aims to diversify Bangladesh's export products, expand international markets, and strengthen business ties between local manufacturers and global buyers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the three-day expo is expected to feature more than 200 stalls, representing 12 sectors, an increase from the eight sectors at last year's inaugural event. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif highlighted the expo's role as an effective platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to engage in international trade and present their products to global buyers.
The expo will include seminars, business-to-business meetings, an online matchmaking portal, networking opportunities, and factory visits to facilitate business partnerships and attract international buyers. Fashion shows and cultural programs will also be organized to draw foreign buyers and promote Bangladeshi products.
Arif emphasized the importance of coordination with Bangladesh missions abroad, foreign diplomatic missions in Dhaka, international buyers' associations, and joint chambers of commerce to ensure effective participation. Special facilities for registered international buyers, such as discounted hotel rates and travel discounts with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, were also discussed.
Business representatives stressed the need for increased international publicity, engagement with overseas buyers, and maintaining high standards for stalls and pavilions. The meeting highlighted the importance of early announcement of expo dates, selecting quality products, leveraging international event management expertise, and maintaining post-event communication to convert contacts into export orders.
The participation of women entrepreneurs and SMEs was underscored as a key issue. A representative from the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh proposed expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs, sponsoring booths for women-led SMEs, and providing specialized training to enhance their skills.
Representatives from various sectors, including plastics, frozen food, fisheries, jute, furniture, and pharmaceuticals, advocated for diversifying export products and showcasing promising industries. They suggested addressing compliance complexities, updating policies, reviewing booth prices, and creating a supportive environment for exporters.
Business representatives called for increased allocations for promoting Bangladeshi products internationally and strengthening engagement with global trade organizations. They emphasized exploring new buyers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and highlighted the need for advance communication with foreign buyers and effective post-expo follow-up.
Organizers expressed hope that coordinated participation by government and private-sector institutions, business associations, exporters, international buyers, and Bangladesh missions abroad would make the Global Sourcing Expo Dhaka 2026 a significant platform for expanding exports, diversifying products, exploring new markets, and strengthening the position of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in the global marketplace.