"Agriculture sector has proven its potential both at home and abroad. But we couldn't yet utilise this potential," she said while inaugurating the Dhaka International Trade Fair-2004 at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce is organising the month-long extravaganza at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Companies from 17 countries including Bangladesh are participating in the fair.

Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Commerce Ministry Advisor Barkat Ullah Bulu, Commerce Secretary Suhel Ahmed, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Abdul Awal Mintoo and EPB Vice-chairman Habib Abu Ibrahim also spoke at the inaugural function.

The prime minister said the government has started work on formulating a three-year export policy to find new markets abroad and add new products to the export basket.

Bangladesh has adequate raw materials and necessary equipment, vast human resources and a congenial environment for investment that could be utilised while setting up small and medium scale industries, she said.

The prime minister said the country has been able to maintain steady growth in export in spite of the adverse situation in the world trade. In 2002-03, export earnings rose to $6,548 million, which is a record, she added.

Speaking at the function, the commerce minister urged all political parties to maintain congenial atmosphere for greater interest of the economy.

He said the country has achieved 27 per cent growth in export during the month of November 2003 compared to November 2002.

Commerce Secretary Suhel Ahmed said the trade fair is organised to promote local products and give local manufacturers an opportunity to have firsthand ideas about foreign products displayed by participating companies.

EPB Vice-chairman Habib Abu Ibrahim said they have organised two single country shows in Myanmar and France last year to promote exports. "We are planning to hold similar fairs in Australia and Canada this year," he added.

The participating companies of DITF 2004 are showcasing various products at 409 pavilions and stalls. Thailand has been given the status of partner country of the fair. China was the partner country last year.

The Thai companies are showcasing household appliances, electronic items, cosmetics, gift items, handicrafts, artificial flowers, ladies bags, dry flowers and food items.

According to EPB officials, 10 premier pavilions, 12 premier mini pavilions and 35 premier stalls have been allocated to local participants.

The other countries taking part in the fair are the US, Germany, Japan, China, Egypt, France, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea and the UAE.

The participating companies are showcasing a wide range of local and foreign products including machinery, equipment and materials for agriculture and gardening, carpet, chemical and allied products, cosmetics, dairy products, electrical and electronic items, food and groceries, gift items, handicrafts, home appliances, leather, leather goods and footwear, sports gear, sanitary ware, textile and garments, toys and stationery, watches and clocks, jewellery, ceramics, melamine, car and plastic products.

The exposition will remain open to visitors everyday from 10am to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10pm on holidays.

Like the previous year, the price of entry-ticket has been fixed at Tk 10 for adults and Tk 5 for minors. There will be no entry fee for children under two.