The country is yet to diversify jute products amply to meet the demand in global market due to lack of proper initiatives and patronisation from the government, claimed sector insiders Saturday. The government has established the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) to endorse jute products. However, it could not achieve mentionable success so far to develop global standard products, they observed. They also urged the government to provide adequate subsidy to make the sector a vibrant and potential one. They also underscored the need for formulating a policy on export and promotion of diversified jute products. Bangladeshi jute-made home textile and household products have already created a special place in overseas markets due to their extraordinary features. The jute products that have high demand in the global market are shopping bags, ladies bags, footwear, curtain, furniture, showpieces, cloth etc. "There is a lack of proper research activities in the country to develop products that would have global demand," said managing director of Creation Private Limited M Rashedul Karim Munna. He is one of the major jute goods exporters of the country. He told the FE that the government officials concerned should visit markets abroad and gather innovative ideas to train up local entrepreneurs. Currently, India is dominating the jute products market due to its advanced and global-standard fashion industry, huge supply chain network, and competitive prices of the products, Mr Rashedul Karim mentioned. "There is no alternative but to ensure quality and style of the products, in line with the present trends, to face tough competition in the global arena." He mentioned that after value addition the diversified jute products can fetch three times higher return compared to that of the normal jute goods. The earnings from 25 per cent modern and diversified jute products are equal to the earnings of 75 per cent traditional jute goods like yarn and sacks. "We have ample opportunity to establish a major industry of diversified jute products in the country, as we have a large and cheap labour force here," he added. The JDPC officials said they are trying to develop proper entrepreneurship to introduce and promote the country's innovative jute items in the foreign markets, despite having various limitations. While talking about the present condition of the sector, Evan Product Private Limited owner Nafisa Hashem Chanchal told the FE that small entrepreneurs are facing difficulties due to scarcity of quality materials. She said they are getting nearly 10 to 20 queries each month from the foreign buyers for supplying jute products. However, they are unable to get orders against those queries because of shortage of quality products as well as uncompetitive prices. "Most of the foreign buyers of jute products are shifting to India from Bangladesh," she added.
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