Govt working to expand global mkt access for jute products

Textiles and Jute Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin has emphasised the need to combine aesthetics with practical utility in the development of jute products with a view to effectively capturing both local and global markets.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a boot camp on 'Sustainable market entry for jute-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs)', held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre in the capital on Tuesday.

"It would not be possible to go far with jute products by only making flowers and fruits. People are happy to see them but do not buy such products," said the adviser.

"To move forward with jute products, we must create items that have practical uses and that people are willing to purchase," he added.

Mentioning that the government is working towards expanding both local and global market access for jute goods, he said training entrepreneurs is a part of that initiative.

"We initially planned to market 3 million jute bags, which was later increased to 10 million," he said, adding that the government also allocated funds to offer a 30 to 40 per cent subsidy on the marketing of these bags.

"However, the response from entrepreneurs has fallen short of expectations. They spent four to five months just to complete the tender process, which is not acceptable," he said.

Director General of the Jute Diversification Promotion Center Md. Jahid Hossain and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Shaila Yasmin also spoke at the event.

A total of 105 small and medium entrepreneurs working with jute products are participating in the three-day training workshop.

rezamumu@gmail.