Govt committed to boosting jute sector capacity: Minister

“Through diversification of jute products, modernisation of technology, skills development and expansion of export markets, the government’s commitment to strengthening the jute sector and meeting global demand remains steadfast,” he said.

The Minister said this while replying to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Mohammed Enamul Hoque (Chattogram-12) in the House.

The parliamentary session resumed at 3:25pm after a two-day recess with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram.

Rejecting the notion that jute and jute goods have lost their past glory, Muktadir said such an assumption is inconsistent with reality, as global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development has significantly increased demand for jute as a natural and biodegradable fiber.

He said new prospects have emerged in the international market for jute and jute products, particularly amid growing preference for environment-friendly alternatives to plastic.

“As one of the world’s leading jute-producing countries, Bangladesh has been undertaking multifaceted initiatives to capitalise on this opportunity,” he said.

Highlighting government steps to develop the sector, the minister said jute mills in the country are striving to meet both international and domestic demand according to their existing capacities.

To expand the use of jute goods in the domestic market, he said, the government has taken steps to effectively implement the Mandatory Use of Jute Packaging Act, 2010.

So, the use of jute packaging in wrapping certain products has increased, significantly expanding domestic demand, he added.

The minister said the government is continuing various policy supports to boost production capacity of jute mills and ensure product quality and diversification.

In this regard, regular dialogues and consultation meetings are being held with the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association and Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association to identify problems, challenges and prospects and determine necessary actions.

Muktadir also said initiatives have been taken to update the Jute Act, 2017 and the National Jute Policy, 2018 in a timely manner to make the sector more competitive and sustainably developed in line with changing global markets and technological advancements, reports UNB.