Economic Reporter :
Jute and jute goods hold potential to become the next key driver of the economy as the present ones — garments and remittance — have little scope to contribute more in the long run, said an Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and Executive Chairman, Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).
He said that industrialization of agriculture in this subcontinent started with jute and jute can become the new growth drivers of our economy again. Value added jute products have huge demand as well as it can create huge job opportunities. He urged for extensive research and positive branding on jute to create more demand in the international market. He emphasized on diversification of jute products, Jute Paper Act for encouraging pulp production from jute and global jute market analysis. He finally put importance on industry-academia linkages to identify the real need of this sector.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar on “Diversification of Jute Goods for the Development of this Industry: Opportunities & Challenges” at DCCI auditorium on Monday. Minister for Textiles and Jute Golam Dastagir Gazi was present as Chief Guest. DCCI President Osama Taseer was in the chair.
DCCI President Osama Taseer said that Bangladeshi jute goods created demand in about 60 countries. Bangladesh earned more than USD 1 billion from jute and jute goods export. To increase export of jute and jute goods, we have to focus more on diversification. Presently about 235 types of jute goods are being made by our entrepreneurs. He also urged for coordination between jute industry and textile industry. About 0.5 million people are engaged directly with jute sector of Bangladesh but we need skilled work force in this sector. We need to think how we can use technology of fourth industrial revolution for the development of jute sector. In order to revive jute sector and to encourage making paper from jute pulp, it is important to formulate “Jute Pulp and Paper Act”. We believe, jute is one of the promising industry after RMG. Policy incentive and innovation will take it further”, he told.
Minister for Textiles and Jute Golam Dastagir Gazi (Bir Protik), MP said that due to discarding of plastic bags worldwide our jute gets huge opportunity to tap this market. We need more research and innovation for jute seed production and diversification. He also urged to increase the demand of jute and jute goods in the local market. He said we are looking for a suitable place in Motijheel area where we can establish a permanent Display Centre.
Director of DCCI Rashedul Karim Munna presented the keynote paper. He said according to the World Bank report demand of natural products has been increased 2-3% worldwide. He also termed that according to International Jute Study Group, annual demand of shopping bag is 500 billion pieces worldwide. The market size of jute bag will reach to USD 2.6 billion by 2021, moreover, the market size of home textile will be of USD 130 Billion by 2021, he said.
