Bangladesh will leverage Chinese technological and academic cooperation to transform its textile and jute sectors into modern, technology-driven and internationally competitive industries producing high-value products, said Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
The minister made the remarks today (17 August) while addressing a symposium titled "Costume, Culture, and Connection: A Bilateral Symposium on Traditional Attire and Cultural Exchange", organised by China's Zhejiang Sci-Tech University at the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) in Dhaka.
Speaking at the event, he said that coordinated efforts involving industry, academia and the government were essential for the development of Bangladesh's textile and jute sectors.
"Collaboration with international academic institutions such as Zhejiang Sci-Tech University could help strengthen textile education, research and technological capabilities in Bangladesh", he added.
The minister said the curricula of the country's textile institutes and vocational education system must be brought into line with the demands of the modern global economy.
He also said, "Initiatives will be taken to review the curricula of Bangladesh's textile institutes and align them with China's modern textile education system. Opportunities need to be created to improve skills through training by experienced Chinese teachers and experts, as well as by sending Bangladeshi faculty members to China for further training."
On the jute sector, the minister said joint research with China would help boost productivity, introduce new technologies and develop value-added products.
"Instead of exporting raw jute, Bangladesh should focus on converting it into blended fibres, fabrics and other high-value products", he said, adding that this could multiply the sector's potential.
"Higher jute productivity would also benefit farmers and encourage greater interest in jute cultivation", Muktadir added.
FP/R
