Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday expressed sheer optimism that Bangladesh will be a poverty-free country by 2024.

The present government needs one more term to implement its ongoing development programmes, he told the opening ceremony of four concurrent international exhibitions at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka.

Around 450 local and foreign companies are displaying their latest products in apparel manufacturing technology, garment accessories, yarn and fabrics, packaging, printing technology and machinery at the GARMENTECH Bangladesh 2018.

The Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), Zakaria Trade and Fair International, ASK Trade and Exhibitions jointly organised the shows, according to UNB.

The 9th edition of the International Yarn and Fabrics Sourcing Fair is presenting the latest collection of natural and synthetic yarn and fabric and its blends, both for woven and knit sectors.

The 9th edition of the GAP Expo-2018 comprises readymade garment accessories and packaging used by the industry.

The 1st edition of the PRINTECH Bangladesh 2018 features machinery and technology related to apparel printing, highlighting their increasing demand along with the fast growing niche segment offering scope for product diversification and value addition.

Entry to the fair is free and the shows will be open till Saturday from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Siddiqur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Abdul Kader Khan, president of the BGAPMEA, and Abdus Salam Murshedy, president of the Exporters Association of Bangladesh, also spoke on the occasion.