Govt plans to turn more raw jute into high-value products: Minister
Textile and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Saturday stated that the government is actively formulating a comprehensive strategy to convert raw jute into high-value-added products to maximize foreign exchange earnings and domestic revenue.
The minister revealed that the government is prioritizing promising sectors beyond readymade garments (RMG), specifically targeting jute goods, silk, and handloom products to diversify the national export base.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a six-day “Multipurpose Jute Products Fair” and a new permanent sales outlet, “JDPC EXPRESS,” as chief guest at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) premises in Tejgaon on Saturday.
Highlighting the commercial potential of product upgrading, Muktadir pointed out that exporting raw jute yields minimal value addition compared to processed alternatives.
“At the peak of the market last year, raw jute was priced at around Tk 1.5 lakh, or about $1,200, per tonne,” he noted.
He explained that processing the same quantity into packaging materials could double its value to $2,400-$2,500, while converting it into blended fibers by mixing jute with cotton or synthetic materials could fetch between $4,000 and $5,000 per tonne.
The minister affirmed that a coordinated roadmap is being drawn up alongside JDPC and private-sector entrepreneurs’ associations to determine industrial allocation and market mapping.
He stressed that the government aims to attract domestic consumers through regular exhibitions while simultaneously raising product awareness among foreign buyers to expand global footprint.
The product lineup includes machine-made goods alongside handcrafted cottage and small industry output.
Addressing the event, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam emphasized that the fair seeks to promote eco-friendly local alternatives in the domestic market while discouraging single-use polythene.
He noted that the government is working to revive the heritage of golden fiber by expanding the reach of Bangladesh’s Geographical Indication (GI) goods, Rajshahi silk, and traditional handlooms.
Shariful Alam announced that “JDPC EXPRESS” will function as a permanent display and sales hub for diversified jute, handloom, and silk products, with plans underway to establish similar outlets at key commercial locations, international airports, and Bangladesh diplomatic missions abroad.
The six-day fair will run from October 3 to 8, while the outlet will remain open daily.
