Entrepreneurs must focus on the practical utility of jute products—alongside their aesthetic value—to expand into both domestic and international markets, said Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser to the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating a three-day bootcamp on “Sustainable Market Access for Jute-Based SMEs”, held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) in Dhaka’s Farmgate area.
“You can’t expect to go far by only making decorative jute items like flowers or fruit. They may look good, but people don’t buy them,” the adviser said. “To truly advance the jute industry, we need products that serve everyday purposes—things people will actually use.”
Sheikh Bashir Uddin emphasised that while design and visual appeal are important, they must be backed by functionality and market readiness. He urged entrepreneurs to think critically about product design, consumer needs, and market access strategies.
The government, he said, is actively working to open up local and global markets for jute products and has already taken concrete steps, including subsidizing production and marketing.
“We initially targeted the market with 3 million jute bags, later expanding it to 10 million,” he said. “To support this, we’re offering a 30–40% subsidy. The funds have been allocated, but unfortunately, the level of engagement from entrepreneurs has not been encouraging.”
He pointed out that some entrepreneurs took four to five months just to complete a tender process—an indication of inefficiency that needs to be addressed if the sector is to be competitive.
The adviser outlined three key factors entrepreneurs must consider when developing jute products: Practical usability, aesthetic design and market accessibility.
“These three elements must work together if jute products are to gain real traction in the marketplace,” he said.
Also speaking at the event were JDPC Director General Md. Zahid Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce’s WTO Cell Shayla Yasmin, global strategist Tara Malhare, and ITC Project Coordinator Doc Dang Bruce.
The bootcamp brings together 105 small and medium-sized jute-based entrepreneurs from across the country.
Over three days, participants will receive hands-on training in product development, sustainable practices, and market entry strategies—part of a broader initiative to revitalize the jute sector through innovation and entrepreneurship.