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Bangladesh will waive booth rental fees for small entrepreneurs participating in international trade fairs as part of efforts to expand exports and help small businesses access global markets, Commerce, Industries, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir announced on Monday.
The announcement came during a debriefing session on the 10th China–South Asia Expo and the 30th China Kunming Import and Export Fair 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (Big Wave) in Purbachal.
Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said small entrepreneurs play a vital role in Bangladesh’s export sector, but many are unable to participate in overseas trade fairs because of financial constraints.
“There is no alternative to participating in international exhibitions to promote Bangladeshi products and explore new export markets,” he said. “Considering the financial limitations of small businesses, the government will waive booth rental fees for them at international trade fairs to encourage greater export participation.”
Muqtadir said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s export performance by enabling more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products to international buyers.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to simplify doing business in Bangladesh. The minister said the validity of trade licenses is being extended to five years, reducing the need for frequent renewals.
In addition, he announced plans to introduce a fully online trade license issuance system, allowing entrepreneurs to obtain licenses from home quickly and conveniently.
“The government is committed to making business operations easier and more efficient for entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that digital public services would reduce administrative burdens and improve the business climate.
The event was chaired by Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Among the special guests were Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, President of the Bangladesh Multifarious Jute Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association Md. Rashedul Karim Munna, and Vice President of the Footwear and Leather Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association Md. Nasir Khan.
During the interactive session, small entrepreneurs shared their experiences of participating in the Kunming trade fair and presented recommendations to improve government support for exporters.
The commerce minister assured participants that their proposals would be carefully reviewed and that necessary measures would be taken to address their concerns and enhance export promotion initiatives.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Export Promotion Bureau’s quarterly newsletter by the minister and other distinguished guests.
Officials said the new incentives are expected to encourage greater participation by small businesses in international exhibitions, helping diversify Bangladesh’s export base, increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the country’s presence in global markets.