The curtain rises today on the 12th National SME Product Fair, a flagship exhibition spotlighting the rapid expansion of Bangladesh’s small and medium enterprise sector.
The event, organised by the SME Foundation, has become a cornerstone of the country’s entrepreneurial calendar, offering a platform where innovation, tradition, and business ambition converge.
The SME Foundation, which is steering the initiative, underscored its ambitions to widen market reach, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial base.
Officials emphasise that the fair is not merely a showcase of products but a comprehensive programme designed to connect entrepreneurs with consumers, investors, and policymakers, thereby strengthening the ecosystem that sustains small and medium enterprises.
The eight-day programme is being staged at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, drawing participants from across the nation’s diverse business landscape.
Organisers expect a vibrant atmosphere, with stalls and exhibitions reflecting the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs from every corner of the country.
More than 350 small and medium enterprises are set to participate in this year’s exhibition, with women-led ventures accounting for roughly 60 percent of the total.
This strong representation highlights the growing role of women in Bangladesh’s SME sector, a trend that has been steadily gaining momentum over the past decade.
The stalls will represent a broad spectrum of industries, ranging from garments and traditional crafts to leather goods, agro-based processing, ICT solutions, light engineering, and herbal commodities.
Such diversity underscores the sector’s contribution to industrial diversification and inclusive growth.
Financial inclusion is another key focus of the fair. The organisers said the event has been designed to advance access to finance, with daily sessions pairing entrepreneurs and bankers.
Close to 30 banks and financial institutions will be present to advise business owners on securing SME credit facilities.
In certain cases, loan applications may even be processed directly at the venue, offering entrepreneurs immediate opportunities to expand their businesses.
Knowledge exchange will also be a central feature, with six specialised seminars scheduled between December 8 and 10.
Discussions will address export diversification, innovation strategies, halal certification standards, intellectual property protection, blended financing models, and the development of a skilled workforce.
Organisers say these sessions are intended to equip entrepreneurs with regulatory, technical, and financial insights essential for long-term growth.
Officials emphasise that the initiative is designed not only to showcase domestic products but also to equip SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and financing opportunities needed to scale up in a competitive environment—both locally and internationally.
“Many SME entrepreneurs face challenges in marketing their products despite high-quality production. This fair serves as a platform to bridge that gap,” said Md Musfiqur Rahman, chairperson of the SME Foundation.
A key highlight of the fair will be the presentation of the National SME Entrepreneur Awards 2025, recognising six outstanding entrepreneurs in the micro, small, medium, and startup categories.
These awards are intended to celebrate excellence, inspire others, and highlight the transformative potential of SMEs in Bangladesh’s economy.
Since its inception in 2012, the SME Foundation has organised 11 national and 93 regional fairs, supporting over 5,000 entrepreneurs.
According to the foundation, past fairs have generated Tk 57 crore in direct sales and Tk 93 crore in product orders, demonstrating the tangible economic impact of such initiatives.
The event’s chief patron is The City Bank, with other sponsors including BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, Bank Asia, IDLC Finance, LankaBangla Finance, United Finance, and IPDC Finance.
Their involvement reflects the growing interest of financial institutions in supporting SMEs, which are widely recognised as engines of job creation and innovation.
Only locally produced goods will be allowed for display and sale, with no foreign or imported items permitted.
This policy ensures that the fair remains a platform dedicated to promoting domestic industries and encouraging consumers to support homegrown businesses.
By combining exhibition, financial support, training, and policy dialogue, the fair continues to position itself as a key national initiative to elevate Bangladesh’s SME ecosystem—a sector seen as crucial for job creation, inclusive growth, and industrial diversification.
The fair will remain open to visitors until December 14, from 10 am to 9 pm daily—with no entry fee.
Written By Nibir Ayaan
