Commerce, Industries, and Textiles & Jute Adviser Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir on Saturday said the government would extend necessary support to expand innovative industrial initiatives, describing the country’s first beet sugar mill as a promising new model for agro-based industrial development.
He made the remarks while visiting the beet sugar mill at Ramganj Bilashi Char in Debiganj উপজেলার Teesta river basin area of Panchagarh district.
Speaking at a discussion meeting after the visit, Muqtadir said the project has opened up new possibilities for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector and rural economy.
“This is not merely a theoretical concept. It is a practical and successfully implemented initiative with strong future potential,” he said.
He said the project’s transition from molasses production to preparations for refined sugar manufacturing demonstrates a viable industrial model capable of contributing to the country’s food processing and agro-industrial sectors.
The adviser said the government would consider all necessary policy support to help similar ventures grow.
Highlighting export-related challenges faced by entrepreneurs, he stressed the need to digitise services linked to certification processes of the Export Promotion Bureau.
He said the government may also consider setting up branch offices in nearby regions to make services more accessible for businesses.
Muqtadir added that the government is working to reduce cargo transportation and export costs to help Bangladeshi products remain competitive in international markets.
He also revealed that Bangladesh is currently discussing a free trade agreement with South Korea, which, if finalised, could create new opportunities for the country’s export sector.
The adviser said the government would hold coordination meetings with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies to assess the commercial potential of beet sugar production in Bangladesh.
He added that entrepreneurs involved in the sector would receive necessary assistance, including access to financing if required.
Entrepreneur Md Abdus Salam said Rangpur division is highly suitable for sugar beet cultivation due to its land elevation and longer winter season.
He said experimental cultivation of sugar beet has been underway in different districts since 2013 and has produced encouraging results.
According to him, the beet sugar mill is expected to begin commercial sugar production from 2027.
He expressed optimism that the factory would annually produce around 45,000 tonnes of sugar, 4.8 million cubic metres of gas, 45,000 tonnes of organic fertiliser and 30,000 tonnes of animal feed.
Salam also urged the government to simplify EPB certification procedures, conclude the proposed trade agreement with South Korea and introduce cargo flights from northern Bangladesh to support exporters.
Among others, Md Obaidur Rahman, secretary of the Ministry of Industries, and Shukria Begum, deputy commissioner of Panchagarh, also spoke at the event.
Local public representatives, government officials, entrepreneurs and farmers attended the programme.