Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA) and Building Youth Employability Through Skills (BYETS) project of Swisscontact Bangladesh join hands by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dhaka to strengthen skills development in Bangladesh’s diversified jute sector.
Md. Abul Hossain, Chairman of BJMA, graced the event with his presence, joined by special guest Md. Hasen Ali, Director of BJMA, and representative from Hasen Jute Industries Ltd. The signing ceremony also brought together Ishrat Fatema, Deputy Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh along with other officials from Swisscontact, BJMA, and private sector stakeholders, all of whom underscored the transformative potential of this collaboration.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the industry, Md. Hasen Ali, Director of BJMA, expressed:
“There is a scarcity of skilled workers in the jute industry. At my mill in Rajshahi, we face difficulties due to the shortage of trained workers. Initiatives like this are therefore essential for the growth and sustainability of the sector.”
Expressing his gratitude, BJMA Chairman Md. Abul Hossain said:
“I sincerely thank Swisscontact for this much-needed initiative. Bangladesh is currently suffering from environmental pollution caused by the excessive use of plastic, and jute products offer a natural and sustainable alternative. Through BYETS project, a comprehensive training module will be developed in line with the needs of our jute mills. This initiative will not only strengthen the sector but also contribute to the government’s vision of export diversification, reducing reliance on the readymade garments industry. The jute sector has immense potential to benefit the country.”
The partnership aims to enhance the technical and entrepreneurial capacities of producer-entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing diversified jute products. Through a series of training initiatives, the collaboration will support young entrepreneurs, particularly women, to access opportunities in domestic and international markets.
Under the agreement, BYETS will conduct training needs assessments, develop training modules, and organise Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to create a pool of master trainers within BJMA. These trainers will then deliver skills training to at least 100 entrepreneurs producing diversified jute goods. BJMA, with its strong network of 240 member mills, will ensure the participation of entrepreneurs, provide facilities, and support the continuity of training.
Diversified jute products are not only a growing export market with Bangladesh currently supplying 282 types of jute goods to 118 countries, but are also environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic materials, catering to global demand for sustainable consumer products. By equipping entrepreneurs with modern skills and knowledge, the initiative is expected to expand export potential, generate higher revenue, and contribute to Bangladesh’s export diversification.
The BYETS project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by Swisscontact.