282 jute products join list of diversified items
MONIRA MUNNI | Thursday, 8 October 2020
The government has declared 282 jute products as diversified items to expand the export basket and increase both local and overseas sales.
Officials concerned said textiles and jute ministry on Tuesday issued a circular with the names of the diversified items.
According to the Jute Law-2017, any product, except traditional hessian, sacking, CBC, six counts or more than that jute yarn, where jute has been used at least 50 per cent as raw material, will be categorised as diversified items.
An official said the items include bags for gardening, travelling, official use, bed sheet, curtain, blanket, sofa, pillow and cushion covers, shoe, fashion garment, sari and denim.
When asked, Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) executive director Md Abul Kalam said a committee worked on the selection of diversified jute products and sent a list to the ministry.
The ministry finally declared the products' names mainly for publicity to encourage manufacturers and exporters about the diversified items, he added.
The JDPC promotes and develops jute-diversified enterprises in the private sector, he said, adding that it is involved in creating new capacity and maximising existing capacity.
The centre also provides training and organises fairs to help entrepreneurs thrive, Mr Kalam mentioned.
While major exportables like ready-made garment, leather and agricultural products are struggling to survive the economic impact of coronavirus, Industry people said, jute and jute goods are the exception.
Export earnings from jute and jute goods grew by more than 8.0 per cent to $882.35 million in the last fiscal becoming the second-largest export earner after apparel, they added.
Official data shows Bangladesh fetched $307.55 million from exports of jute and jute goods in the first quarter of this fiscal year (FY), recording 39.26-per cent growth over the same period of last fiscal
Export earnings from jute and jute goods were $220.85 million during the July-September period of FY 2019-20.