United News of Bangladesh

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Thursday told Parliament that the government has devised plans to increase the production and export of jute goods. He said small entrepreneurs are being provided with training to produce export-oriented diversified jute goods through Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) PLC. Replying to a starred tabled question placed by ruling party lawmaker from Naogaon-6 Sheikh Md Rezaul Islam, the minister said initiatives have been taken to modernise two jute product testing laboratories in Dhaka and Khulna to enhance export diversification, competitiveness and quality of raw jute. “A feasibility study project has also been undertaken to expand technology-based jute and seed production, which will significantly increase the export of quality jute goods once implemented,” he said. Muktadir said the government is providing cash incentives to exporters to encourage the export of jute goods. He informed the House that Bangladesh currently exports jute goods to some 138 countries, including China, Iran, Spain, Belgium, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Jordan, India, Japan, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia, Poland, Vietnam, Nepal, Tunisia, Thailand and South Korea. The minister said JDPC is participating in various international fairs, meetings, seminars and symposiums abroad to boost jute exports. Besides, training in diversified jute product export, export documentation, export certification, design and product development, quality improvement, awareness workshops and buyer-seller conferences are being organised to enhance exporters’ capacity, resulting in a steady increase in jute goods export.