Chinese technology sought to modernise jute sector

Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh needs advanced Chinese technology and research cooperation, rather than additional financial investment, to modernise its jute sector and produce high-value products.
He made the remarks on Sunday as the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Jiangnan University to promote research, improve productivity and develop diversified jute products.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Commerce, the minister said Bangladesh had sufficient investment capacity but needed Chinese expertise to improve jute seed production, increase fibre yields and develop value-added products.
Textiles and Jute State Minister Md Shariful Alam was also present.
Md Zahid Hossain, joint secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while Professor Ma Pibo, dean of Jiangnan University, signed for the Chinese institution.
Muktadir said Bangladesh wanted to move beyond exporting raw jute and yarn and focus on producing high-value goods capable of competing in international markets.
He emphasised the need to introduce modern technology at every stage of jute production and processing, from seed development and fibre improvement to advanced fabrics and diversified products.
Under the agreement, JDPC and Jiangnan University will collaborate on expanding the use of jute, improving seed production and productivity, and applying research-based technologies in textile manufacturing.
Professor Ma Pibo highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s jute and textile industries, saying university representatives had visited the country to assess industry needs and production conditions.
He also proposed establishing a joint laboratory to help translate research findings into practical industrial applications.
The Chinese delegation expressed interest in developing a collaborative research platform with leading Bangladeshi institutions, including the University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX).
The proposed collaboration could support the development of new jute and garment products and the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies.
Muktadir said steps would be taken to establish direct links between the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), JDPC and Jiangnan University’s laboratories to facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
State Minister Shariful Alam stressed the importance of making research-based technologies accessible to entrepreneurs to accelerate jute diversification.
He said training and technical support in modern production techniques, product design and quality control would help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs manufacture products that meet international market standards.
Cooperation with Jiangnan University could also improve the skills of jute-product manufacturers and artisans, he added.
Stakeholders expect the partnership to create opportunities for developing alternative jute-based fibres, improved fabrics and diversified textile products.
The shift from raw-material exports towards higher-value manufacturing could also strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global jute market.