Jute was once considered the “golden fibre” of the country, due to its role in the economic development of the region.
On the occasion of National Jute Day 2019, a two-day long fair, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), began on Wednesday.
The Government of Bangladesh has been working to advance the jute industry as jute has the potential to produce environmentally-friendly goods, and boost earnings from the international market.
Jute products at two-day long fair on the occasion of National Jute Day 2019 on March 6, 2019 |Mehedi Hasasn/Dhaka TribuneAt the fair, manufacturers and exporters have showcased about a 100 jute products—in traditional and modern forms—with products ranging from home décor to accessories.
Fashionable bags, for casual or formal use, have grabbed the attention of corporate stakeholders and other fair visitors of all ages, at BICC.
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Fariha Sultana, an entrepreneur, was looking for gifts and souvenirs for her online-based business to send out some souvenir gifts to customers—as well as jute bags—to deliver her product. “I used to make these gift items by myself or give away gift coupons; however, I found that jute products are cheap and have quality, plus they really express the heritage of the Bangali culture.”
An artisan displaying her craftsmanship during the fair at BICC, Dhaka on March 6, 2019 |Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune“I ordered different souvenirs at this fair as many wholesalers and exporters are here under one roof, where a number of options—by price, variety, and quality—are available, and most-importantly, environmentally-friendly,” Fahira added.
Only for display purposes
Among uncommon products available at the fair, the Nature 4 Human stall showcases a modern collection of caps. These unique and fashionable designer caps are likely to become a part of the wardrobe collection of young fashionistas.
However, these products are only for export and not available nationwide, therefore only available for sale at the fair.
A stall showcasing jute products at the fair on March 6, 2019 |Mehedi hasan/Dhaka Tribune
A modern collection of shoes made of jute were showcased at the fair by Sonali Aansh Industries Limited, and gained the attention of many visitors. However, they did not showcase their products for sale, which garnered a mixed response from potential buyers.
A customer, while passing by, said: “They [Sonali Aansh] have international-quality products and can sell their products in minutes, if they sell their products nationwide.”
Proprietor of One World Exim Mohammad Sirajul Haque said: “Jute products will be considered an agricultural and industrial product; he hopes that the government’s initiative can help the industry to grow more to compete on the international market.
Jute product at the fair on March 6, 2019 |Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune“The cost of raw materials is high in our country. On the other hand, our neighbouring country, India, is our competitor as their government gives producers and entrepreneurs many incentives. If we are given such facilities then grabbing the international market can contribute to our economic growth,” said Sirajul.
The cost of products available at the fair ranges from Tk50 to Tk5,000.
More than 300 types of jute products are on display at the two-day fair that will end at 8pm on Thursday.
