Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – A three-day international jute fair began on Thursday in the capital Dhaka aiming to promoting diversified jute products made by Bangladesh and India.

Textiles and Jute Secretary Ashraful Moqbul inaugurated the exposition styled International Jute Fair at a ceremony at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.

International Jute Study Group (IJSG) has organized the first-ever such fair in association with Jute Diversification and Promotion Centre (JDPC) and National Jute Board (NJB) of India to promote jute products.

Ten selected exhibitors from Bangladesh and 10 from India under the umbrella of NJB and JDPC are participating in the fair to showcase their best-quality jute products.

A fashion show has also been organized on the sidelines of the fair, where a dozen stalls have been set up to showcase jute products.

Speaking as the chief guest in the ceremony, Ashraful Moqbul said jute was the major export earning sector for Bangladesh in 1950s and 1960s. “But we lost the position later. But with pragmatic and timely initiative of the present government, the jute is regaining its position.”

IJSG Secretary General Bhupendra Singh said the future of jute and jute products is bright. “But we have to set where we want to go and how to achieve our target.”

JDPC Executive Director Khandaker Mokhlesur Rahman said the country’s jute-based industries have grown recently, providing jobs to hundreds of thousands.

Atri Bhattacharya, secretary of National Jute Board of India, said the world’s major two jute-producing countries, India and Bangladesh, should work together to change the people’s perception about the products made up of natural fibre.

India and Bangladesh should work hand in hand, as many other countries are moving fast to become major players in the sector, Bhattacharya added.

BBN/SI/AD-28Jan11-2:35 pm (BST)