Small entrepreneurs to get free booths at international expos: Commerce Minister

Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has announced the complete waiver of booth rent for small entrepreneurs to encourage their participation in international trade fairs, aiming to expand export trade.

The minister made this significant announcement as the chief guest at a de-briefing event of the '10th China-South Asia Expo and 30th China-Kunming Import-Export 2026' held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (Big Wave) in Purbachal on Monday (July 27).

The Commerce Minister also serves as the Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Governing Board.

The Commerce Minister said small entrepreneurs play an immense role in the national export sector. Participation in international trade fairs is crucial for their products to gain recognition and market access globally. However, due to financial constraints, many potential small entrepreneurs cannot participate despite their willingness.

The government has decided to waive booth rent for them in international trade fairs to remove these financial barriers, he added.

Referring to the government's multifaceted approach to ease trade and commerce, the minister further said the current government is a people's government. Special initiatives are being taken to simplify business and trade. The validity of trade licences for businesses will be extended to five years. Additionally, a digital system is being introduced so entrepreneurs can obtain licences online from their homes.

At the de-briefing event, small entrepreneurs shared their experiences, proposals and challenges at the Kunming fair in China. The minister listened patiently and provided necessary guidance to facilitate business operations.

At the beginning of the event, the minister and invited guests unveiled the quarterly newsletter published by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The event, chaired by EPB Vice-Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif, was also addressed by Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan as a special guest.