The growing availability of low-cost synthetic fibres worldwide have put the country's jute products under threat in the global market, said Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir in Parliament on Monday.
“Jute products are under threat in the global market due to the increasing availability and use of low-cost artificial fibres worldwide,” he said, while replying to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Selina Sultana (Women Seat-35). Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, tabled the question-answer session at the outset of the day's business in the House.
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The textile and jute minister said although there is significant potential for exporting jute products to international markets, the sector continues to face a number of challenges, including the easy availability and increasing use of inexpensive synthetic fibres worldwide.
Raising other challenges, he said, most jute mills are struggling to remain competitive internationally due to outdated technologies and machinery in the country. Besides, exporters face obstacles in shipping jute and jute goods because Bangladesh lacks internationally accredited laboratory testing facilities, he said.
Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said the country is also lagging behind in exploring new markets and carrying out branding activities for jute products.
However, he highlighted various government initiatives aimed at overcoming these challenges.
In reply to a separate question from treasury bench member Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3), the Textiles and Jute Minister said the production operation of 25 mills under the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) were shut down on July 1, 2020 in line with a government decision and later 20 mills were selected to be reopened under private management through lease agreements.
He said lease agreements have already been signed for 14 mills, of which nine have resumed operations.
Out of the 20 mills, the process is underway to lease out the remaining six mills, he said.
The minister expressed hope that the remaining mills would also be brought under private management and become operational by December this year in line with the government's 31-point reform agenda.