Jute sector needs a focused strategy for survival
Saturday, 29 September 2007
CLEAR policy decisions are needed about the jute sector. There is a debate going on over the operational viability of the country's jute industry. The fact that the jute mills in the public sector have been responsible for a colossal amount of losses over the years can hardly be contested by anyone. The operational condition of a number of private jute mills is no better because of the carried-over problems from the period during their control and management by the government, prior to transfer to the private sector. However, some new jute mills in the private sector have been doing better.
We hear about the tremendous potential for jute sector because of its environment-friendly traits. There are good prospects for diversification of jute products as well. While our jute industry has been operating at losses, the jute mills in India, having an expanding home market there, have been expanding their businesses. Running the mills there in India at profits has not been a problem. But our jute sector has been in dire financial straits.
It is time for us for making a critical review of the whole state of affairs relating to our jute sector. The review should lead to hard actions. We cannot afford to foot the bill on account of operational losses of the jute sector for long. If the sector has promises for long-term viability through cost-effective operations, we should take early steps for translating those promises into a reality. The sooner, the better.
Obaidul Huq
Agrabad, Chittagong
We hear about the tremendous potential for jute sector because of its environment-friendly traits. There are good prospects for diversification of jute products as well. While our jute industry has been operating at losses, the jute mills in India, having an expanding home market there, have been expanding their businesses. Running the mills there in India at profits has not been a problem. But our jute sector has been in dire financial straits.
It is time for us for making a critical review of the whole state of affairs relating to our jute sector. The review should lead to hard actions. We cannot afford to foot the bill on account of operational losses of the jute sector for long. If the sector has promises for long-term viability through cost-effective operations, we should take early steps for translating those promises into a reality. The sooner, the better.
Obaidul Huq
Agrabad, Chittagong