'Ban on raw jute export to encourage smuggling'
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
KHULNA, Dec 14 (UNB): The Jute Press Association of Khulna has expressed apprehension that ban on raw jute export would encourage smuggling of the item across the border.
Demanding immediate withdrawal of the export ban, association's General Secretary Akhter Hossain Firoze told a press conference here Monday that the government action will deprive the exchequer of a large amount of foreign exchange and render thousands of people jobless. All the jute pressing centres in Khulna, Narayanganj, Mymensingh and Jamalpur have already been closed.
Firoze claimed supply of raw jute in the market is adequate. He estimated the availability at 6.0 million bales this year in the country. Meeting the requirement of 3.5 million bales of the jute mills, at least 2.5 million bales will be available for export, he said.
He said barely 0.6 million bales have been exported during the first four months up to October this year. Another 0.9 million bales were ready for shipment for which foreign buyers opened L/Cs.
Export ban at this stage has inflicted a heavy financial loss to the jute traders. Moreover, the country will lose confidence of foreign buyers and they will opt for other sources in future.
Demanding immediate withdrawal of the export ban, association's General Secretary Akhter Hossain Firoze told a press conference here Monday that the government action will deprive the exchequer of a large amount of foreign exchange and render thousands of people jobless. All the jute pressing centres in Khulna, Narayanganj, Mymensingh and Jamalpur have already been closed.
Firoze claimed supply of raw jute in the market is adequate. He estimated the availability at 6.0 million bales this year in the country. Meeting the requirement of 3.5 million bales of the jute mills, at least 2.5 million bales will be available for export, he said.
He said barely 0.6 million bales have been exported during the first four months up to October this year. Another 0.9 million bales were ready for shipment for which foreign buyers opened L/Cs.
Export ban at this stage has inflicted a heavy financial loss to the jute traders. Moreover, the country will lose confidence of foreign buyers and they will opt for other sources in future.