Chief Advisor Seeks Global Investment for Jute Renaissance
- Update Time : 10:39:20 am, Sunday, 1 June 2025
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Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the revival of Bangladesh’s jute industry, calling for greater utilization of the country’s natural fiber to strengthen the national economy. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the China-Bangladesh Business and Investment Conference held at BIDA’s headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka on Sunday, Dr. Yunus recalled the lost glory of jute and underscored its emotional and historical significance for Bangladesh.
“When you talk about jute, it’s not just a fiber—it’s a matter of national pride. This country has been a major producer of natural fibers for decades,” he said. Despite its potential, jute is still mostly seen as a material for making sacks, Dr. Yunus noted. “It’s a sustainable resource, yet we have failed to recognize its value in protecting the environment and the planet.”
He urged stakeholders to come together in giving jute its rightful place in the modern economy, referring to the country’s heritage of textiles such as Jamdani and muslin as examples of Bangladesh’s capacity for high-value fabric production.
Reflecting on the historic prestige of Dhakai muslin—once renowned globally for its fineness and value—Dr. Yunus called for innovation and renewed focus on jute’s diverse applications.
The conference saw participation from around 250 business leaders and investors representing 100 Chinese companies. Among the speakers were China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.
