Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has expressed strong interest in supporting Bangladesh in revitalizing its jute sector and expanding its presence in global markets.

This came during a meeting on Wednesday between FAO’s Director of the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, Anping Ye, and Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

The two sides discussed ongoing FAO activities in Bangladesh and explored strategies to enhance seed production, diversify jute product markets and strengthen capacity across the jute sector.

Commerce Adviser Bashiruddin highlighted the cultural, historical, and economic significance of jute to Bangladesh. “Jute, once the backbone of our economy, still holds immense value. Our goal is to restore its golden past and establish Bangladesh as a global hub for eco-friendly jute products,” he said.

He emphasized that achieving this vision would require coordinated efforts in research, investment, and marketing from both the public and private sectors. He noted that FAO’s technical and strategic support could play a crucial role in accelerating this transformation.

In response, FAO Director Anping Ye described Bangladesh as a key country for jute development and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting the sector.

He mentioned that FAO currently operates an office in Bangladesh with over 200 staff; the majority of them local, focused on advancing agricultural growth.

Ye assured continued collaboration in building capacity for jute production and facilitating the expansion of Bangladesh’s jute market globally.

Also present at the meeting were Textiles and Jute Secretary Md Abdur Rouf and FAO Representative in Bangladesh Xiaojun Shi.