Speech by the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles & Jute, Government of
Bangladesh in the Tenth session of the council of the International
Jute Study Group (IJSG), Dhaka, 05-06 April, 2009.
Hon’ble Chaiman, 10th Session of the Council of IJSG
Mr. Sudripta Roy, Secretary General, IJSG,
Distinguished delegates from IJSG member Countries,
Representatives from Associate Members,
Observers and IJSG Personnels,
Members of press and electronic media
Ladies & gentlemen.
Assalamu Alaikum and Good Morning to you all.
It gives me immense pleasure to be present here today and participate in
the deliberations of the Tenth Session of the Council of International Jute Study
Group (IJSG) . On behalf of the Govt. of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh I
would like to express my sincere thanks to you all for participating in the 10 th
session of the council of IJSG. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the
participants from abroad who have taken a lot of troubles to attend the meeting.
Distinguished Participants
You are all aware that Jute is the second most important natural fibre next to
cotton which occupies a very significant place in the national economy of
Bangladesh. About 4 million farmers are directly involved in its cultivation.
More than 20 % of the total population of the country are involved directly or
indirectly in raw Jute cultivation, production of Jute Goods, local trading,
marketing and related jobs. More over Bangladesh is the largest exporters of
Raw Jute and Jute Goods in the world market who met 95 % world demand of
Raw Jute and 60 % demand of Jute Goods.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
IJSG is a successor organization of the International Jute Organization (IJO)
which came into existence on 27 April, 2002 through a process of acceptance by
the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Government of
India, the Government of Switzerland and the member countries of European
Union. I believe, private sector participation in the activities of IJSG will help to
achieve its objectives. IJSG is mandated to rejuvenate the Jute economy by
developing international co-operation with Jute producing and consuming
countries in the world. I hope You would agree that there are many countries
which produce and consume Jute, Kenaf and allied fibres. But many of those are
not yet involved with this organization. IJSG should give emphasis to increase its
members.
In the meanwhile IJSG is going to complete its eight years on April 2010.
IJSG is the successor organization of erstwhile IJO. Within this period IJSG
has successfully completed number of projects / activities for the development
of jute sector. Now, it is the high time for extension or renegotiation. Here I
would like to mention that previous IJO has downsized into study group as
IJSG . Within this period the world scenario in respect of social, economic,
financial and environmental has changed dramatically. Natural fibres have
been identified as the only counter part to be used as a substitute to synthetic ,
plastic, wood and metallic products. Jute is a renewable source of biomass . It
has enough potential to be used as a raw material for wide range of traditional
and diversified products which are not only environment- friendly but also
protect environment from degradation. Considering the situation I would like
to strongly suggest to take necessary action for the renegotiation
and
formation of world jute body with new multitude and dimension named as
International Jute Organization.
The area of major concern is low quality jute seeds in Jute producing countries.
You all know that quality Jute seed is important for producing quality fibre.
However, the quality jute seed is a great problem for jute cultivation. I am happy
to inform you that the Govt. of Bangladesh under the Ministry of Textiles & Jute
is trying to get the maximum yield from jute crop by introducing High Yielding
Variety (HYV) jute seed. I would like to urge IJSG to take initiatives for the
production activities of quality and HYV Jute Seed in Jute producing countries.
Another area of major concern is retting process of Jute in Jute producing
countries. Scarcity of water and absence of Modern retting process motivate
farmers to take up other agricultural activities, resulting decreased Jute
production. IJSG also can take action to adopt modern retting process, which can
inspire the farmers.
The Jute industry which is mainly confined in the part of the world is saddled
with obsolete technology and age-old Machinery. It seems to me the technology
in the jute sector remain the same as the technology in the textile industry. I hope
IJSG can play a pivotal role to transfer technology and modernization of
machineries in order to produce diversified jute products by taking Multifibre
composite concept vertically & horizontally.
Distinguish Participants:
I am pleased to inform that Govt. of Bangladesh has adopted “National Jute
policy-2007”to redefine the goals and objectives of the sector. The main objective
of the policy is to facilitate the Jute sector in Bangladesh to attain and sustain a
pre-eminent global standing in production of raw Jute and in the manufacture
and export of Jute goods by enabling the Jute Industry. The policy seeks to
strengthen research and development (R & D) activities in agricultural practices
with a vision to ensure remunerative prices to Jute farmers by enabling them to
produce better quality Jute fibres and enhance per hectare yield of raw Jute.
I am happy to inform you that, Government of Bangladesh has given emphasis
for jute diversification. Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC)had been
established by the Government with the mandate to promote diversified use of
Jute locally and globally. Achievement of this centre has so far been
praiseworthy.
The Govt. of Bangladesh banned production , sale and use of thin polythene
bags having 20 microns or 0.002 centimeter thick used by the shopers.
Consequently the demand of jute goods is increasing.
I am pleased to inform you that Govt. of Bangladesh is considering to issue a
circular to ensure mandatory use of jute bags as a packaging materials for food
grain, sugar etc.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We all are aware that jute sector has been facing great competition, particularly
due to synthetic substitutes. But jute has a bright future as a versatile fibre.
Large scale use of jute in production of high value added diversified jute
products could open up a new horizon for jute sector. Government of
Bangladesh is putting emphasis on sustainable development of the jute industry.
Various problems of the jute sector have already been identified and steps are
being taken to make appropriate policies. It may be mentioned here that publicprivate partnership may help to achieve the desired goal.
Distinguish Participants:
You are aware of the International Year of Natural fibres,2009. The primary
objectives of the International Year of Natural Fibres, 2009 is to raise the profile
of natural fibres by emphasizing their natural and environmental attributes.
The Government of Bangladesh has decided to observe the “International Year
of Natural Fibre 2009” with the international community in a befitting manner by
participating nationally and internationally. As a part of international event,
different types of diversified jute products as well as silk products had already
been sent as gift to the launching ceremony of IYNF at FAO, Rome, Italy and
Brussels, Belgium which were held on 22 January and 18 March,2009
respectively. A national programme will be celeberated at the last week of this
month.
The international year of natural fibres, 2009 has given us an opportunity to
build an international framework for coordinated efforts for creating global
awareness about usefullness and beneficial attributes of natural fibres along with
positive impact on the society of the producing and consuming counties.
I would like to thank all officials of IJSG secretariat for organizing international
conference and other related activities in the preceding February,2009 in
connection with the observance of the international year of natural Fibres,2009.
Ladies & Gentlemen:
Before, I conclude, I thank Mr. Chairman and Secretary General for giving me
the opportunity to address the session. I also extend my thanks and gratitude to
you all present here. I hope, the deliberation and discussion during the session
will help and guide us to bring out a new direction for the development of jute
sector all over the world and would help to facilitate appropriate plan and
strategy of IJSG to keep the world environment friendly.
Thank you very much.