The government always promises help to promote flower export, but we never get such assistance, said Sushmita Uddin, managing director of Micro Orchids and Plants.

Most participants believe that technical assistance and proper training for flower cultivators are essential for commercial production of flowers.

The government should invite foreign buyers and introduce them with local exporters if it really wants to promote flower export, a participant said.

Mahmud, farm in-charge of Dipta Orchids Limited, said the exporters are facing problems due to costly fertilisers and insecticides required for flower production.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has organised the weeklong flower show at the T&T Ground in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. As many as 47 flower exporters and entrepreneurs are taking part in the exhibition.

Inaugurating the show, Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury said exports of agro-based items including fresh flowers should be promoted to boost the country's economy.

"Now agro-based exportable products enjoy 30 percent cash incentive, which also helps increase the export of flowers," the minister said.

He said in the age of globalization there is no alternative to raise standard and quality of products to survive in the international market with a stiff competition.

Bangladesh earned Tk 4.51 crore in 2003-2004 through export of flower while the export earning during the first quarter of 2004-05 fiscal year was Tk 4.09 crore.

The major export destinations of Bangladeshi flower are India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, France, Italy and Portugal, the exporters said.