Nepal keen to import increased raw jute from BD

Nepalese Ambassador Ghanashyam Bhandari on Thursday has requested the Bangladesh government to focus on the raw jute exports to meet the production needs of Nepal.

He made the request during a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat, reports UNB.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade.

The ambassador said Nepal has 11 jute mills, which rely heavily on the import of raw jute from Bangladesh.

He also noted that the recent suspension of raw jute exports from Bangladesh has caused disruptions in Nepal's jute industry.

The envoy formally requested the Bangladesh government to ease the restrictions on raw jute exports to Nepal.

In response, the Commerce Adviser said Bangladeshi jute and jute products are in high demand in various countries.

Instead of exporting raw jute, Bangladesh now aims to export semi-finished jute products to add more value, he said.

He added that Bangladesh is producing high-quality, eco-friendly semi-finished jute goods and if Nepal imports these products, it will not only increase bilateral trade volume but also lead to mutual benefit for both countries.