Silk sector to be modernised with Chinese support: State Minister

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam has said that research, technology and knowledge-sharing cooperation with China will be further strengthened to transform Bangladesh's traditional silk sector into a modern, productive and environmentally friendly industry.

He made the remarks while addressing a conference in Rajshahi on Tuesday.

The conference titled "Conference on Sericulture Research and Development in the Context of Strategic Cooperation between China and Bangladesh" was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board, China's Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and China-Bangladesh Silk Research Center (CBSRC).

The state minister said silk is an important sector deeply rooted in Bangladesh's long-standing heritage. Rajshahi, in particular, is historically known as the "Silk City." The silk sector can play a significant role in creating rural employment, increasing farmers' incomes, empowering women and contributing to economic development.

He said the government's goal is to modernize and make the entire silk value chain—including mulberry cultivation, silkworm production, cocoon production, silk yarn manufacturing, weaving, product development, branding and marketing—more productive, competitive and environmentally friendly.

Md Shariful Alam said international-level research and technological cooperation are crucial to achieving this goal. To this end, China's experience in silk research, technological innovation and industrial development is important for Bangladesh. Cooperation between Chinese research institutions and universities and Bangladesh's Sericulture Development Board and relevant research institutions will be increased.

He said Rajshahi Silk has already received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. Initiatives will be taken to further strengthen its quality, product diversity, branding and position in international markets.

Professor Xu Qiji, vice dean of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, said education, research and skilled human resource development are important for the advancement of the silk industry.

He said research is ongoing in China on silk production, technological development, smart reeling, silk product quality standards and new applications. Cooperation between Bangladesh and China in research, technology exchange and sharing of experiences can further contribute to the development of the silk sector.