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 10th 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 public-private 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.