The three-day Chittagong Apparel, Fabrics and Accessories Exposition begins in the port city tomorrow.

Commerce Minister Faruk Khan is expected to inaugurate the exposition organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at Chittagong Zila Krira Sangstha Indoor Stadium.

Organisers at a press conference in the port city said yesterday that 39 companies from both home and abroad would take part in CAFAXPO 2010 that will play host to 54 stalls.

Bangladesh's garment market that was earlier dependent only on European countries and America is now expanding to Japan and some other countries, the organisers added.

One of the BGMEA leaders said higher numbers of orders with low prices make the market competitive for Bangladesh.

They sought government support to help the sector increase investment and growth to increase Bangladesh's share in the world market.

BGMEA has been organising CAFAXPO since 2003 giving potential buyers an idea about garments, fabrics and accessories produced in Chittagong.

BGMEA leaders also highlighted different problems of the sector in Chittagong and made several recommendations.

The recommendations included immediate implementation of Bahaddarhat Flyover project by Chittagong Development Authority and the project to upgrade Dhaka-Chittagong highway into a four-lane one.

Making Karnaphuli Gas Systems Limited functional soon to ensure sufficient gas supply and raising connectivity of international flights in and out of Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong were also two of the recommendations.

The leaders of the garment manufacturer association urged the government to help sustain image, dynamism and efficiency of Chittagong port.

BGMEA first Vice-President Nasir Uddin Chowdhury read out a written statement at the press meet where former first Vice-President Md Ershad Ullah and CAFAXPO organising committee chief coordinator Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu were also present.