Rokia Afzal Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government, was present as the chief guest at the inaugural function with DCCI President M A Momen in the chair.

The objective of the Expo is to give an exposure of the traditional culture and heritage of the country.

A total of 35 women entrepreneurs have exhibited their products of diverse range, including jamdani saree, jamdani dress, leather goods and products, jute products, handicrafts, pickles, toys, bed sheets, baby's wear, jewelry, dry flowers, table mat and bags. Three guests from Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of US Chamber, Washington, DC were present at the inaugural session.

Momen in his speech said though it is not an organisation of women but it gives special importance to the development of women entrepreneurs' business and is trying to mainstream women by increasing their participation in trade and commerce. DCCI organises training, seminars, workshops and dialogues and conducts business advocacy for the women entrepreneurs' development.

The Baishakhi Expo has been organised to create awareness about the products and popularise and increase the sale of their products at home and abroad.

Rokia in her speech lauded the role of chamber for promoting women entrepreneurs' activities. She called for a separate policy for availing land and tax benefits and lower rate of interest in bank loan and lower equity for women.

Rokia stressed the need for removing obstacles facing the women entrepreneurs. She requested Dhaka Chamber to continue its efforts for the greater interest of the women entrepreneurs. She also emphasised the networking philosophy of different organisations involved in the same activities.

Andrew Wilson, senior programme officer for Eastern Europe and Eurasia, CIPE, Brooke Millis, programme officer for South Asia, CIPE and Safina Rahman, director and coordinating director of the DCCI WED Standing Committee also spoke.