Govt to enhance jute industry, exports through diplomacy and modernisation

The BNP government has formed an inter-ministerial joint working group and plans to soon host an international trade show for enhancing the country’s jute industry and exports.

The joint working group comprises members from Foreign Ministry and the Textile and Jute Ministry, said high-ranking officials from both the ministries at a coordination meeting held in the capital on Tuesday.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said that the joint working group would facilitate establishment of dedicated research centres for jute, promote adoption of modern technologies across the sector and monitor progress of jute mill modernisation initiatives.

It would also formulate a national roadmap for jute exhibitions and work to address trade barriers affecting the industry, officials said at the meeting.

Secretaries of both ministries, senior government officials and representatives from the Department of Jute, jute industry, research institutions and development partner organisations attended the meeting.

Shama reaffirmed, while addressing the meeting, the government's commitment to revitalising the jute sector and stressed the importance of organising exhibitions of jute and jute products to restore the glory of the country's "golden fibre".

She particularly emphasised leveraging economic diplomacy, with active engagement of Bangladesh missions abroad, to promote the country's jute industry and expand its presence in international markets.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam appreciated the Foreign Ministry's initiative and stressed closer coordination among the two ministries and the private sector to enhance jute production, processing, value addition and market diversification.

The proposed International Jute Expo will bring together domestic and international buyers, researchers and investors to strengthen Bangladesh's engagement with global markets and explore new opportunities for jute and diversified jute products.

The meeting also discussed establishing mandatory jute display centres and gift shops at Bangladesh's international airports as part of efforts to showcase locally produced jute products to international travellers.

It also discussed expediting implementation of a project to introduce jute-made school bags for primary school students.

Another key objective identified at the meeting was achieving complete self-sufficiency in jute seed production within the next three years by increasing domestic production and reducing dependence on imports.

Both ministries expressed their commitment to working together to transform the country's jute sector into a modern and competitive industry, ensure fair prices for farmers and strengthen Bangladesh's position as a trusted global source of climate-friendly jute-based solutions.