B Mirror Report: The government has formulated a five-year strategic plan to revive Bangladesh’s jute sector, aiming to double export earnings to $1.64 billion by 2031 through higher value addition, improved productivity and expanded export markets.

The Bangladesh Jute Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2031), prepared by the Department of Jute (DoJ), comes after export earnings from jute and jute products declined by nearly 29 percent over the past five years despite increased domestic production.

Under the plan, annual exports are expected to rise from the current $820 million to $1.64 billion by 2031. The government also aims to increase raw jute production to 11.5–12 million bales, achieve 85–90 percent self-sufficiency in jute seed production, and raise the share of value-added products in total jute exports from 45 percent to 70 percent.

The strategy seeks to shift the industry’s focus from raw jute exports to higher-value products, including geotextiles, biodegradable packaging materials, home furnishings, technical textiles, composite materials, fashion items and automotive components.

To strengthen exporters’ competitiveness, the plan proposes establishing three to four internationally accredited testing laboratories, reducing reliance on overseas testing facilities that increase costs and shipment delays.

According to DoJ Director General Syed Md Nurul Basir, implementation of the strategy will require an estimated Tk 37 billion to Tk 47.5 billion in investment, to be mobilized through public funding, private investment, development partners and public-private partnerships.

The strategy also identifies key challenges facing the sector, including India’s anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute products, rising production costs, raw jute smuggling, limited product diversification and inadequate testing infrastructure. It notes that 73 of the country’s 266 jute mills are currently closed, affecting production and employment.

Bangladesh currently exports jute and jute products to 152 countries, but around 63 percent of exports are concentrated in Turkey, China and India. The government plans to diversify exports by expanding into markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.