Govt unveils roadmap to revive jute sector
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Bangladesh’s jute sector into a modern, export-oriented industry, announcing plans to establish a joint working group and organise an International Jute Expo to strengthen the country’s position in the global market.
The decisions were announced on Tuesday at a coordination meeting titled “Strategic Economic Diplomacy and Export Expansion for Bangladesh’s Jute Sector”, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute in Dhaka.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said the two ministries would work together to modernise the sector, ensure fair prices for farmers and establish Bangladesh as a trusted global supplier of climate-friendly jute products.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of both ministries, senior government officials, and representatives from the Department of Jute, the jute industry, research organisations and development partners.
The foreign affairs state minister stressed the importance of economic diplomacy and said Bangladesh’s missions abroad would play a greater role in promoting the country’s “golden fibre” through international exhibitions and trade promotion.
Shariful Alam highlighted the need for stronger coordination between the government and the private sector to improve jute production, processing, value addition and market diversification.
The proposed joint working group will prepare a national roadmap for organising jute exhibitions, removing trade barriers, establishing dedicated jute research centres, promoting modern technologies and monitoring the modernisation of jute mills.
The planned International Jute Expo will bring together local and international buyers, researchers and investors to expand Bangladesh’s presence in global markets.
The meeting also discussed establishing mandatory jute display centres and gift shops at international airports, accelerating the introduction of jute-made school bags for primary school students, and achieving self-sufficiency in jute seed production within the next three years by reducing reliance on imports.
