Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the apex trade organization of the country, stressed the need for reviving the historic prominence of the jute industry, often referred to as Bangladesh's golden heritage.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam emphasized the significance of jute in Bangladesh's economy at a dialogue with key stakeholders in the jute sector held on Thursday at the FBCCI office in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The golden fiber of jute is renowned globally, he said adding that FBCCI will collaborate with entrepreneurs in the jute sector as well as government and private sector stakeholders to address the industry's current challenges.
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Highlighting the industry's historical importance, the FBCCI President added, "Our jute industry has been a cornerstone of our economy, serving as a primary driver of foreign exchange earnings. Even after the independence, the jute industry maintained its glory for several years."
However, various factors have led to the gradual decline of this traditional industry. Initiatives are urgently needed to restore its former glory, he added.
Mahbubul stressed the need to diversify jute products to boost exports and announced FBCCI's commitment to providing comprehensive support to entrepreneurs in the sector to create new markets and increase exports.
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FBCCI's former vice-president and current director Md. Habib Ullah Dawn, FBCCI Director Md. Abul Hossain, Azizul Hoque, Md. Niaz Ali Chisty, Fakhorus Salehin Nahian, and leaders from various jute associations and organizations, including the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association, Bangladesh Jute Goods Exporters Association, Bangladesh Jute Association, Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association, Bangladesh Diversified Jute Goods Producers, Exporters Association, National Skill Development Authority (NSDA), and Bangladesh Handicraft Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Banglacraft) were present at the meeting.