"We want to display developments of our local SME products as the sector has a great potential," FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain told a press conference yesterday, announcing the fair schedule.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) chief said although the local entrepreneurs have the ability to produce international standard products, they fail to introduce their products at national and international levels due to lack of campaign.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is scheduled to inaugurate the fair, while Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Awami League cheif Sheikh Hasina is expected to attend the closing ceremony.

Local products including textile, frozen foods, leather and leather goods, plastic products, surgical equipment, medical machinery, sanitary products, real estate related products, agro-based ones, bicycle, ceramic and melamine products, pharmaceuticals, software, cosmetics, furniture, electrical and electronic goods and jewellery will be displayed in the fair at 111 stalls and 9 pavilions, according to the organisers.

Mir Nasir said the SME sector contributes 90 percent to the total export earnings. It has also 25 percent contribution to the country's GDP (gross domestic product).

"But unfortunately, continuous power shortage, lack of funding, high interest rate, unavailability of raw materials hinders growth of the sector," he added.

He also identified reluctance of the private banks to disburse loans to SME sector as the major barrier to flourishing the sector.

The FBCCI will organise four seminars as the sidelines of the fair on SME development. Some interactive meetings between SME entrepreneurs and buyers will also be held during the fair.