Govt plans to turn more raw jute into high-value products: Commerce minister

Textile and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir yesterday said the government is working to convert raw jute into the highest possible value-added products to increase foreign exchange earnings and revenue.

"It is also promoting promising sectors beyond readymade garments (RMG), including silk, handloom and jute goods," Muktadir made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a six-day "Multipurpose Jute Products Fair" and a new sales outlet, "JDPC EXPRESS," as chief guest on Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) premises in Tejgaon.

A permanent showroom is being launched at JDPC to promote these products and expand their market, he said.

The government aims to attract local buyers through fairs and exhibitions while raising awareness of these products among foreign buyers, he added.

Replying to a question on diversification and export expansion of jute goods, Muktadir said a plan is being drawn up in coordination with JDPC and private-sector entrepreneurs' associations.

There is no value addition in exporting raw jute, but its value can be multiplied by converting it into high-value products such as sliver, packaging materials and blended fibre, he said.

"At the peak of the market last year, raw jute was priced at around Tk1.5 lakh, or about $1,200, per tonne," the minister said.

The same quantity could fetch around $2,400-$2,500 as packaging products, while blended fibre products made by mixing jute with cotton or other fibres could earn around $4,000-$5,000 per tonne, he added.

The government's goal is to convert the largest possible share of the country's jute output into value-added products, Muktadir said.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam said the fair aims to promote local products, expand the use of eco-friendly goods and discourage polythene.

The government is also working to make the country's GI products, multipurpose jute goods, Rajshahi silk, handloom and other textile products better known and more widely used, he said.

Shariful Alam said "JDPC EXPRESS" will operate as a permanent sales and display centre, offering diversified jute products along with handloom and silk items. Similar showrooms are planned at other important locations, international airports and Bangladesh missions abroad.

The six-day fair will run from 3 to 8 October, daily from 10am to 8pm. "JDPC EXPRESS" will remain open seven days a week from 11am to 8pm.