Jute looks to win back shine

The higher demand for biodegradable jute goods points to a comeback of the golden days of the golden fibre in Bangladesh as people across the globe now opt for an eco-friendly lifestyle, with natural fibres gradually replacing synthetics.
The latest Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data suggests this at a time when the world is observing 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres.
Bangladesh exported jute goods worth $85.62 million in the July-September period beating the target set at $69.55 million for the three months, according to EPB.
However raw jute missed the target at $38.27 million, fetching $36.01 million.
President Md Zillur Rahman yesterday inaugurated a four-day exhibition of products made from natural fibres, mainly jute and silk, at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka to express solidarity to the rest of the world.
Entrepreneurs, especially small and medium enterprises, are showcasing products at over 15 stalls on the hall premises.
Khandakar Tariqul Emran, managing director of Artistic International, an export-oriented jute goods maker, said the demand for such products increased a lot both in the local and international markets.
"I started business one and a half years ago with Tk 1.5 lakh, and now my company's working capital is Tk 10 lakh," Emran said.
He said the government support for the small entrepreneurs can boost the sector, as orders from international buyers indicate a big demand for jute goods.
Currently Bangladesh exports over thousand types of jute goods as the local manufacturers could develop diversified products for different uses, he said.
The main export items are different types of bags, showpieces, sandals, wall-mats, handmade carpets, handicrafts, doormats, saris, jute-made fabrics, toys and essential things of kitchen.
"Easy loan facility and easy access to international fairs should be ensured for the development of the jute sector as a lot of small entrepreneurs are coming with investment to grab a global market pie," Emran said.
Another participant at the exhibition, Badrul Alam, proprietor of Shohag Jute Industries and Shohag Jute and Handicrafts, said manufacturers are investing in value-added jute goods sector as it gives quick profits.
At present Alam is exporting his products mainly to US, Canada, Spain, Italy and Germany.
"Now I make 522 types of products in my four units and my current working capital is Tk 20 lakh," he said.
Alam said the sector is growing not only on the back of the higher demand in the international market, but also on the domestic demand.
The demand began to peak up when corporate houses started using jute goods in a large quantity, Alam said, adding that he supplies jute goods to a good few corporate houses in Dhaka.
"The demand will increase further if the government makes the use of jute goods mandatory for every government offices, seminars and conferences," he said.
He said some non-government offices always try to promote the jute sector, but practically they do not use the jute goods. The use of jute goods in the NGOs can also help increase the demand of the products, he added.
"We should have a 'bank of raw materials of jute goods' from where we can purchase any quality of such products anytime," Alam said.
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