FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT IJSG

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INTERNATIONAL JUTE STUDY GROUP (IJSG)

The International Jute Study Group (IJSG) is an intergovernmental body set up under the aegis of UNCTAD with Headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh to function as the International Commodity Body (ICB) for Jute, Kenaf and other Allied Fibres. It formally entered into force on 27 April 2002. The IJSG is the legal successor to the erstwhile International Jute Organisation (IJO).

The Group:

·         provides an effective framework for international co-operation;

·         promotes international trade in jute and jute products; 

·         provides a forum for the active participation of the private sector;

·        addresses issues of poverty alleviation, employment and development of human resources, particularly women;

·         facilitates improvement of productivity and quality,

·         promotes application of new processes and technologies;

·         attempts to create awareness about jute as an eco-friendly, renewable and bio-degradable natural fibre.

The IJSG:

·         develops an appropriate strategy for the improvement of the world jute economy and conducts consultations and exchanges of information on the international jute economy;

·        initiates, sponsors, supervises and acts as a catalyst with respect to projects and related activities aimed at improving the structural conditions of the world jute economy;

·        also undertakes studies on various aspects of the world jute economy and related issues.

The highest authority of the Group is the Council, consisting of all members of the organisation which meet at least once a year. All important matters related to the Group are decided by the Council.

The Council of the IJSG has established the following committees and bodies:

i) Committee on Projects (COP)

The Committee on Projects (COP) comprising of all members was established by the Council. The COP meets normally twice a year in accordance with the guidelines of the Council. It advises the Council about projects and related activities in accordance with the rules established by the Council. The Council, in certain circumstances, delegates to the COP its power relating to the approval of the projects. 

ii) Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB)

The Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB) was established by the Council of the IJSG which consists of all Associate Members of the Group.  The PSCB has been set up to encourage active participation of the private sector in the work of the Group and to continue dialogue among experts in the jute industry and make recommendations to the Council in all matters related to the development of the jute sector.

The budget of the organisation for 2010/2011 is US$ 730,100. Accommodation cost of the Group is next to nil, as the premises are made available by the Government of Bangladesh.

The administrative expenditure is met by the contributions from the member countries while the project and non-project activities are funded through voluntary contributions of member countries and international donor agencies including the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) based in Amsterdam.

Members contribute according to their votes. Total votes are 2000 which are based on a) 1000 votes equally distributed and b) 1000 votes are calculated for producer countries: 40% of the volume produced, and 60% of quantity of net trade of producing countries; for consuming countries: net trade of consuming countries. No single country holds more than 450 votes.

The Secretariat holds 1 (out of 2) internationally recruited staff, and 13 locally recruited staff members. It is headed by a Secretary General, who is the Chief Administrative Officer. He is assisted by Finance and Administrative Officer who looks after the financial and administrative matters, an Operation Officer and a Consultant who deal with the projects and project related activities of the IJSG and a Media and Information Officer who is in charge of publications and provides information on jute and jute products along with nine supporting staff.

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