Bangladesh needs advanced Chinese technology and research cooperation to develop its jute sector, rather than further financial investment, Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Sunday.
He made the remarks as the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Jiangnan University to promote research, boost productivity and develop high-value jute products.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka on 18 October, the minister said Bangladesh had its own investment capacity but needed Chinese expertise to improve jute seed production, increase fibre yields and develop high-value diversified products. Textiles and Jute State Minister Md Shariful Alam was present at the event.
Md Zahid Hossain, joint secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while Professor Ma Pibo, dean of Jiangnan University, signed on behalf of the Chinese institution.
Muktadir said Bangladesh wanted to move beyond exporting raw jute and yarn and focus on producing and exporting high-value goods that could compete in international markets.
He stressed the need to apply modern technology throughout the processing and value-addition stages of jute production, from seed development and improved fibre quality to advanced fabrics and diversified products.
Under the MoU, JDPC and Jiangnan University will work together to expand the diversified use of jute, improve seed production and productivity, and apply research-based technologies in the textile sector.
The dean of Jiangnan University’s School of Textile Engineering discussed the potential of Bangladesh’s jute and textile industries. He said university representatives had visited Bangladesh to assess field-level needs and the practical conditions of the industrial sector.
He also emphasised the establishment of a joint laboratory to facilitate the practical application of research findings in industry.
The Chinese delegation expressed interest in developing a collaborative research platform with leading Bangladeshi institutions, including the University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX). The initiative is expected to support the development of new products in the jute and garment sectors and promote modern manufacturing technologies.
The minister said initiatives would be taken to connect the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and JDPC directly with Jiangnan University’s laboratories, creating opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange between researchers and technical experts from the two countries.
State Minister Md Shariful Alam said research-based technologies needed to reach entrepreneurs to support jute diversification.
He said training and technical assistance in modern production methods, product design and quality control would help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs improve their capacity to manufacture products that meet international market demand.
He added that cooperation with Jiangnan University could play an important role in developing the skills of jute-product manufacturers and artisans.
Stakeholders expect the partnership to create opportunities to develop alternative jute-based fibres, improved fabrics and diversified textile products. Moving from raw-material-dependent exports towards high-value-added manufacturing is also expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s jute sector in international markets.
