Bangladesh's jute sector needs advanced technology and research cooperation more than financial investment, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) and China's Jiangnan University at the Secretariat.
Under the MoU, JDPC and Jiangnan University will work together on expanding diversified uses of jute, producing better seed, raising productivity and applying research-based technology in textiles. Joint secretary Md Zahid Hossain of the textiles and jute ministry signed for Bangladesh and Professor Ma Pibo, a dean at Jiangnan University, for China.
The minister said Bangladesh has its own capacity to invest, but needs China's modern technology and research support for jute seed production, higher fibre yields and high-value diversified products. The government's aim, he said, is not to remain an exporter of raw jute or yarn but to use technology at every stage of processing and value addition and export competitive high-value goods.
He said the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and JDPC will be linked directly with Jiangnan University's laboratories so that researchers and technologists in the two countries can share knowledge and technology.
The dean of Jiangnan University's School of Textile Engineering said university representatives had visited Bangladesh to see field-level needs and conditions in the industry. He stressed setting up a joint laboratory so research results can be applied in industry, and the Chinese delegation expressed interest in a joint research platform with leading institutions including Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX).
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam said research-based technology must reach entrepreneurs, and training and technical support for small and medium enterprises in modern production, design and quality control would help them make products that meet international demand.
Reporting: Economic reporter, Manab Zamin
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Source: Manab Zamin
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