Secretary General meets the representatives of the potential member countries to UN in New York

A meeting was held between the Secretary General of the IJSG Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal and the Ambassadors of the potential member countries to UN in New York on 20 August 2007. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce IJSG, its role and on-going research activities undertaken by the Group for the development of Jute, Kenaf and other Allied Fibres. The meeting also focused on important issues of jute and jute economy, environmental and poverty alleviation aspects vis a vis the issue of membership of the Group.

The IJSG Council at its different Sessions emphasized on persuasion of the potential countries through appropriate diplomatic channels and appealing to them to join the Group as member. Consequently the IJSG Secretariat requested the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations H.E. Ms. Ismat Jahan to organize the meeting as the IJSG’s host member country.

The IJSG Secretary General explained the mandate of the Group, current scenario and prospects of the natural fibres in the world market and detailed down the importance of joining IJSG as full member. He also mentioned that the goal of the IJSG clearly matches with Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the UN regarding sustainable development, reversing the loss of environmental resources, empowerment of women etc.  Thereafter views were exchanged and most of the representatives participated in the discussion. They showed keen interest in the activities of the IJSG and agreed to take up the issue of the membership to their respective governments.

Representatives from USA, Philippines, Macedonia, China, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Russian Federation which included Ambassadors of USA and China, the former members of the IJO  and Ambassadors of Philippines, Macedonia,  Costa Rica and Nigeria attended the meeting.

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Seventh Meeting of the PSCB of the IJSG held in Kolkata

The Seventh meeting of the Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB) of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) was held in the Williamson Magor Hall of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Kolkata, India on 6-7 August 2007. Mr. Sanjay Kajaria, Chairman of the PSCB chaired the meeting. Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General of the IJSG was present in the meeting and made a statement.

The Secretary General, IJSG in his statement remarked that the role of PSCB is very important as it provides a forum for the people of jute agriculture, jute industry, experts, scientists/technologists to discuss various challenges faced by the industry in relation to production, availability of quality raw materials, necessity for technology improvement, reduction of conversion costs, development of diversified products and scope for diverse applications of traditional products etc. He said it is high time for us to do something tangible that would leave a mark on the sustainable development of the jute sector. He hoped that the Associate Members would join hands with IJSG in carrying out activities and programmes of the IJSG in respect of observance of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009.

The Chairman of the PSCB in his speech drew attention to some basic issues like necessity of good quality seed and fibre, improvement of processing machinery and market promotion. He said vigorous efforts are required to boost up the promotional activities of the new products with the assistance of governments and other non-government agencies of all jute producing countries.

The meeting reviewed the status of the Associate Members of the IJSG and suggested that the PSCB should have more members to include exporters, importers, traders, market experts, manufacturers to make the Board more effective. The Board requested the IJSG Secretariat to hold more workshops on jute and allied fibres to promote sharing of information on R&D activities as well as on development of technologies. The meeting also discussed other important issues like cooperation between buyers’/consumers’ organizations, strategy for promotion of technical textiles including geo-textiles, improvement of processing machinery and overall strategy for the jute sector.

The PSCB elected Mr. Sanjay Kajaria as Chairman and Mr. K.R.Hasan, Mr. Humayun Mazhar, and Mr. Denis Kalomeni as Vice-Chairmen of the Board for the year 2007-2008.

• Statement of  the Secretary General
• Speech by the Chairman
• Record of Decisions of the Seventh PSCB Meeting

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National Defence College Team visits IJSG Secretariat

A team from the National Defence College, Dhaka visited the IJSG Secretariat on 24 July 2007 to gather first hand knowledge on the vision, roles and achievements of the organisation. On the occasion two brief presentations were made by Mr. Dewan Sayeedul Hassan, Media and Information Officer and Mr. Siddiqur Rahman, Consultant (Operations) of the IJSG on the objectives & functions of the Group, its projects & activities and overall jute economy together with a video presentation on the world of jute. Mr. AFM Sarwar Kamal, the Secretary General of IJSG presided over the function. It was desired that the foreign Course Members will take the initiative to persuade their respective governments to join the IJSG as full member and work together to strengthen the jute sector.  The valued participants enthusiastically took part in the discussion and they were provided information based on their queries. The team also visited the Display Centre of the IJSG which contains various products of Jute and Allied Fibres.

The team was lead by Lieutenant General Abu Tayeb Muhammad Zahirul Alam, rcds, psc. Among others, Senior Directing Staff (Army) Brigadier General AKM Farid Uddin Ahmed, ndu, psc, Senior Directing Staff (Navy) Commodore Bazlur Rahman,(MDC), ndc, psc, BN and Senior Directing Staff (Civil) Joint Secretary Mr. Mohd Aduz Zaher, ndc along with the Course Members and Staff Officers of the National Defence College, Dhaka were also present.

The visiting team was comprised of 5 Faculty Members, 41 National Defence Course (NDC) Members and 2 Staff Officers. The Course participants were from China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Sudan including Bangladesh.

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IJSG Secretary General visits Cairo

The Secretary General of the International Jute Study Group visited Cairo during 15 -18 July 2007 as a part of the membership drive of the Group. During his visit the Secretary General attended a meeting with the officials of the General Jute Products Company of Egypt.     

Mr. Saleh Eldin A. Elarabi, Technical General Manager and Eng. Redwan Ali, Technical Director of the General Jute Products Co of Egypt attended the meeting on behalf of the Company. In the meeting, the present situation of import of raw jute to Egypt and manufacturing of jute products were discussed. The officials of the General Jute Products Company showed their keen interest to be a member of the PSCB of the IJSG.

The Secretary General also held another meeting with Mr. Yasser Hassan, Director, UN Specialized Agencies Department and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. The issue of Egypt`s membership to IJSG and outstanding contribution of Egypt to the erstwhile IJO were discussed in the meeting. The officials of the UN Specialized Agencies Department emphasized on organising a seminar on jute in Cairo during February/March 2008.

Mr. Md. Faruque Hossain, Finance and Administrative Officer of the IJSG and Mr. Shahidul Karim, Counselor and Head of the Chancery, Embassy of Bangladesh in Cairo as representative of Bangladesh were also present during the meeting.

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2007 International Symposium on Kenaf and Allied Fibers held in China

2007 International Symposium on Kenaf and Allied Fibers - Renewable Resource for a New Industry was held on June 19 - 21, 2007 in Xiamen, China organized by CCG International Inc. USA. Department of Science and Technology, Fujian Province and Fujian Agricultural and Forest University were the co-organizers from China. International Jute Study Group (IJSG), Dhaka, Bangladesh supported the Symposium as a Golden Fibre partner.

The Symposium was aimed at promoting the production and utilisation of kenaf and allied natural fibres. The Symposium provided a platform for information exchange and experience sharing in production and industrial applications of natural fibers. Products made from kenaf and allied fibres such as paper and pulp, automobile parts, textile, construction and packaging materials, animal feed, and environmental cleaner, etc. were the focus of this event. The Symposium featured the latest agricultural practice for maximizing the production of kenaf and allied fibre.

Apart from two papers from IJSG, a good number of papers were presented in the Symposium by the fibre experts, scientists, business developers, academicians, government officials from all over the world e.g., Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, South Africa, USA etc. to address the problems of these natural fibre sectors through cooperation and concerted efforts by the concerned stakeholders and place these in a better & stronger position.

Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General, spoke in the inaugural Session and chaired the General Session of this Symposium. Mr. Kamal also presented a paper on “Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres: IJSG’s Role in Their Overall Development” in the General Session. Mr. Dewan Sayeedul Hassan, Media and Information Officer of the IJSG presented a paper in the Technical Session entitled”Jute and Kenaf: Fibres of the Future” on behalf of Dr. Latifa Binte Lutfar, Operations Officer, IJSG.

• Remarks by the Secretary General

Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General, IJSG speaking at the opening session

The Secretary General of the IJSG along with other Speakers  at the opening session

Participants at the Technical Session of the Symposium

Visitors at the Display booth of the Products and Poster Presentation

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Eighth Session of the Council of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) ends at Dhaka...

The two-day Eighth Session of the Council of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) held at its Secretariat in Dhaka ended on May 3, 2007.

The Council, the highest authority of the IJSG discussed establishment matters as well as administrative and financial matters of the Group. A series of important issues including membership of the Group, development of market for jute products, observance of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009, assessment of world jute situation and other related matters to formulate appropriate strategies for the growth of the world jute sector were also discussed during the Session.  

The Council stressed upon the need for continuous and collective efforts by the present Members to take diplomatic initiatives to persuade potential member countries to become Members of the Group to strengthen its activities.

The Council focused on the interest and participation of the private sectors and underscored the need to make Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB) more effective and a vibrant Body by increasing the number of Associate Members which can contribute to the improvement of the jute economy.

It was decided that IJSG should continue its promotional activities, keeping informed the concerned people through statistical analysis of the world jute situation and updating the IJSG website regularly.   

The Council appointed Mr. Sudripta Roy as the Secretary General of the International Jute Study Group for a period of three years with effect from September 1, 2007.

Ms. Elisabeth Andrea Bosch Malinen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland (ex-officio) and Jute Commissioner, India were re-elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, of the IJSG Council for the jute year 2007/2008.

Alongwith all Members of IJSG - Bangladesh, India, Switzerland, and European Community-EC, representing its 27 Member States, Associate Members and representatives of Pakistan, Indonesia, Morocco, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, The Russian Federation, Vietnam and FAO as Observers attended the Session.

Earlier, in the inaugural ceremony on May 2, 2007, Mr. Md. Abdur Rashid Sarkar, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Govt. of Bangladesh delivered the inaugural speech on behalf of the Chief Guest - Mrs. Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, Honourable Advisor to the Caretaker Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and in-charge of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, the Secretary General of the IJSG spoke on the occasion. Ms. Elisabeth Andrea BÖsch Malinen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland and Chairman of the IJSG Council presided over the ceremony.

Speakers urged upon all the potential member countries to come forward in joining the IJSG to help achieve the mandate of the group and make the organisation an effective forum for international cooperation and to work for the betterment of the global jute sector. The speakers also stressed on producing innovative diversified products to go with the consumers’ choice and build new market opportunities. It was also highlighted that IJSG which is now five years old, should be the international resource centre to provide relevant information on jute sector to all concerned and undertake more promotional activities.

• Address of Welcome by the Secretary General
• Speech by the Chief Guest
• Speech by the Chairperson

• Record of Decisions of the Eighth Session

Chairperson of the IJSG Council addressing

Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Govt. of Bangladesh delivering the inaugural speech

Delegates of the IJSG Members countries

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Workshop on Development of Jute Entrepreneurs held in India

A daylong workshop on Development of Jute Entrepreneurs and Lifestyle Jute Products under the IJSG sponsored and Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) funded project entitled Small-Scale Entrepreneurship Development in Diversified Jute Products was jointly organised by the National Centre for Jute Diversification (NCJD), Kolkata, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and the Development of Hessian Articles Research and Training Institution (DHARTI) held on 13 March 2007 at the Hotel Jayaram in Puducherry, India.

Mr. N. Rangasamy, the Honourable Chief Minister of Puducherry inaugurated the workshop. Among others Dr. Latifa Binte Lutfar, Operations Officer, International Jute Study Group (IJSG) and Mr. Md. Fazlul Huq, Project Executing Agency (PEA) of the Group were present and spoke on the occasion. The Honourable Chief Minister said that Puducherry has got immense potential and manpower which are suitable for jute industry. He assured all possible support relating to training or development activities which provides employment opportunities especially to women entrepreneurs. A large section of women entrepreneurs participated in the workshop.

In the Technical Session of the workshop Mr. A.K. Khastagir, Project Manager, NCJD, Dr. Latifa Binte Lutfar, Operations Officer, IJSG, Mr. R. Chandran, Assistant Director, HM&SEC, Office of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Dr. Ramesh, Environmental Engineer, Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, Mr. Tara, Textiles Technologist, Mr. P. Ramasamy, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Puducherry, Mrs. Rajamani, Project Officer, SJSRY, Puducherry Municipality, Officials from the Bank of Baroda and Indian Bank, Mr. T. Ayyappan, Market Promotion Officer, JMDC, Chennai, Mr. L. Ponnarasu, Team Leader, Jute Service Centre, PSG Tech, CBE and Mr. Arimathi-Ilambarthi, Founder, Youth Peace Centre spoke on various relevant topics in creating awareness among the prospective small entrepreneurs of   diversified jute products. A video on jute diversified products was also shown in the workshop.

Meanwhile, a “Buyer - Seller Meet” was organized by the Jute Entrepreneur Service Centre (JESC)-Puducherry in JMDC Jute Fair on 12 March 2007 at Vel Sokkanathan Kalyana Mandapam. Honourable Minister for Education Mr. M.O.H.F. Shajahaan, M.B.A. inaugurated the exhibition and the Buyer-Seller Meet.  Craftsman and artisans from various parts of India participated in the exhibition. There were 33 stalls, displayed jute products like jewelries, wall hangings, handicrafts, soft luggage, variety of bags etc.

Inaugural Address by Mr. N. Rangasamy, the Honourable Chief Minister of Puducherry

Dr. Latifa Binte Lutfar, Operations Officer, International Jute Study Group (IJSG) addressing on the occasion

Mr. Md. Fazlul Huq, Project Executing Agency (PEA) of International Jute Study Group (IJSG) speaking at the function

Participants of the Workshop

Mr. M.O.H.F. Shajahaan, M.B.A., the Honourable Minister for Education at the Jute Fair alongwith IJSG and NCJD/JMDC Officials

Diversified Products displayed at the Jute Fair

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The month-long mega trade event titled Chittagong International Trade Fair 2007 (CITF-2007) is being held in Chittagong, Bangladesh since 15 February 2007 at the local Railway Polo Ground under the initiative of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The theme of the CITF-2007 is “Creating Opportunities for Business Linkage.”

Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, the Secretary General of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) visited the fair on 3 March 2007. Mr. Kamal took interest in the diversified products exhibited at the CITF-2007 and discussed with the entrepreneurs as regards production and price of the jute products.

A variety of jute products like carpet, office bag, shopping bag, wine bag, wallet, handicrafts and jewelries are being displayed at the stalls. Entrepreneurs and organisation participated under the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) pavilion are: Bengal Braided and Rugs Limited, Creative Jute Textile, Creation (Private) Ltd., Moni Jute Goods & Handicrafts and Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC). Two other entrepreneurs, Grameen Carpet House and Eshana Jute Products Limited are also participating in the fair on their own.

The IJSG Secretary General Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal visiting the stalls of  the Jute Products in the fair

Jute Products displayed at the CITF-2007

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Daylong design workshop held in Dhaka

Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) organised a daylong design workshop for the development and expansion of the diversified jute products on 26 February 2007 at the Committee Room of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka.

The Secretary General of the IJSG, Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal was present on the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the design workshop. Executive Director of JDPC Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah presided over the function.

Mr. Sarwar Kamal remarked that the jute products need to be produced and marketed in such a way that it matches with the changing demand of the customers’ aesthetic choice and contemporary style. High-quality design of the products would widen the market opportunities. The Secretary General ensured utmost cooperation on behalf of the Group at all times.

In the business session, Mr. Alaluddin Ahmed, former Chief Designer of BSCIC and Professor, Department of Fine Arts, University of Development Alternative presented a paper on the importance of the design development to generate market opportunities. Mr. Mohiuddin Faruque, former Director of Bangladesh Television and Professor, Stanford University chaired the session.

The Secretary General of the IJSG, speaking at the Workshop as the Chief Guest

Participants of the Design Workshop

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Fair on Diversified Jute Products in Dhaka

The inaugural ceremony of the second Jute Entrepreneurs’ Service Centre (JESC) established at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka under an IJSG project entitled Small Scale Entrepreneurship Development in Diversified Jute Products was held on 20 February 2007 at the Committee Room of BJRI, Dhaka. The Project is being implemented by the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) under the supervision of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG).

A 12-day fair on diversified jute products has also been organised at the BJRI premises to encourage the small entrepreneurs and introduce their diversified jute products in the marketplace.

Mr. M. Abdul Aziz, ndc, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh inaugurated the JESC and the Fair. Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General of the IJSG was present on the occasions. Mr. Md. Abdur Rashid Sarkar, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Government of Bangladesh chaired the inaugural ceremony of the JESC.

Mr. Aziz highlighted the importance of coordination among the IJSG, research institutes, Government of Bangladesh and entrepreneurs for the development of the jute sector. The Secretary General of the IJSG stressed upon the need for arranging more fair and expositions for the market promotion to create an opportunity for the buyers and sellers to meet and interact.  He also called for taking initiatives to ensure availability of raw materials, provide necessary loans to small entrepreneurs.

Mr. Sarkar remarked that the people around the world have developed likings to go back to the nature. He further remarked that the present trend of increased price of jute is definitely a welcome sign for the natural fibre as well as the marginal farmers.

Various diversified jute products which included a variety of bags, wall hangings, tapestry, cushion cover, curtains, home textiles, handicrafts etc. are being displayed in the 40 stalls of the fair.

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Bangladesh, Secretary General, IJSG and Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Govt. of Bangladesh are seen

Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General of IJSG speaking at the function

Diversified jute products displayed at the fair

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A seminar on jute and kenaf was held in Myanmar at the Sedona Hotel, Yangon  on 7 February 2007 jointly organized by Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Myanmar Jute Industries (MJI) and the International Jute Study Group (IJSG).

In the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Tin Htut Oo, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Planning gave the opening speech on behalf of H.E. Major General Htay Oo, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Myanmar. The Secretary General of the IJSG, Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal made a comprehensive statement. Mr. Ye Hpone Myint, Managing Director of the MJI also spoke on the occasion.

Mr. Tin Htut Oo said that the demand for the new forms of jute and kenaf based products in the area of textile and paper industries are in increasing trend.  It is the high time for the jute industry of Myanmar to modify this sector along the lines of the global market and it is also the right time for closer collaboration with IJSG. He also emphasised on the need to strengthen the areas of research and development (R&D).

Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal said that IJSG has continuously been endeavouring to involve jute producing and consuming countries who are not members of the Group for the overall growth of the jute sector and for the promotion of jute and jute products. He informed with contentment that the seminar is the first ever International event on Jute/Kenaf in Myanmar that has been organised by the IJSG jointly with the MJI.

The Secretary General hoped that Myanmar as one of the important jute/kenaf producing countries and whose production is constantly increasing will join IJSG as an active member. He also expected that MJI and other jute related agency of Myanmar would become Associate Members of IJSG to play important role in this sector.

In the first technical session of the seminar, the papers were presented on Policy and Prospect of Jute and Allied Fibres (JAF) with Special Reference to Bangladesh by Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Government of People Republic of Bangladesh and Jute/Kenaf Diversified Products Other Than Traditional Uses: An Indian Experience by Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Deputy Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The session was chaired by Dr. Myint Thein, President, Myanmar Academy of Agricultural, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery Sciences.

In the second technical session, the papers were presented on Recent Agricultural Development in Jute, Kenaf and Mesta through Traditional and Biotechnological Approaches by Dr. Asma Khatun, Chief Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and Cultivation and Production of Environment-friendly Jute/Kenaf Fibres in Myanmar and Review on Diversified Application of Jute/ Kenaf by Daw Soe Soe Aye, Deputy General Manager of Myanma Jute Industries. The session was chaired by Dr. Kyaw Than, Vice President, Myanmar Academy of Agricultural, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery Sciences.

Among others the Ambassador of Bangladesh in Myanmar, H.E. Mr. M. Khairuzzaman and other officials attended the seminar.

A field visit was also arranged by the Myanma Jute Industries for the IJSG officials and the resource persons of the seminar at the Dawbon Carpet Products Factory and Okkyin Jute Mill in Yangon on 8 February 2007.

Welcoming  Remarks

Statement by the Secretary General

Vote of Thanks

Technical Papers

Policy & Prospect of Jute & Allied Fibres with Special Reference to Bangladesh

Recent agricultural developments in Jute, Kenaf and Mesta through Traditional and Biotechnological approaches

Cultivation and Production of Environment-friendly Jute/Kenaf fibres in Myanmar and Review on Diversified Application of Jute/Kenaf

A Presentation on Jute/Kenaf Diversified Products other than traditional use - An Indian Experience

Mr. Tin Htut Oo, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Planning addressing on behalf of the Minister

The Secretary General of the IJSG, Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the seminar

Vote of thanks by Mr. Ye Hpone Myint, Managing Director of the MJI

Technical session of the Seminar

Workers at the Dawbon Carpet Products Factory in Yangon

The Secretary General of the IJSG, visiting Okkyin Jute Mill in Yangon

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United Nations General Assembly Resolution

2009 Declared International Year of Natural Fibres

2009 was declared the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) on December 20 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. The IYNF will help to develop the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural industries that employ millions of people, contribute to food security and provide economic development opportunities.

The International Jute Study Group (IJSG) welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 20 December 2006 declaring 2009 the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF). IYNF will contribute to the Millennium Development Goals by further developing the agricultural industries that provides employment opportunities to a large number of people in some of the worlds poorest countries, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The UN decision follows a request by the biennial Conference of FAO in November 2006.

Millions of people around the world, among them some of the poorest people in some of the poorest countries depend on the production and processing of natural fibres for their livelihood. Natural fibres contribute to food security and economic advancement for these farmers.

The International Year of Natural Fibres will raise consumer awareness of natural fibres and strengthen demand for natural fibre products improving the livelihoods of the farmers who produce them and revenues for countries which export them, says FAO. At the same time, promoting the use of natural fibres will enhance the environment.

The wide range of natural fibres includes cotton, wool, jute, flax, silk, sisal, coconut fibre and many others. Some are produced from plants, others from animals, and they are used in clothing and other consumer goods, as well as in industrial applications. Virtually every country in the world produces some natural fibres.

According to FAO, there is almost no limit to the type of activities that might form part of the International Year of Natural Fibres. Fashion shows, exhibitions, conferences, production of TV documentaries and books, and competitions for school children, could all be developed in the many countries expected to take part. Under the general guidance of an International Steering Committee, FAO would be the coordinator of activities in the Year of Natural Fibres, with many activities being undertaken by partner organisations.

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The Sixth Meeting of the Private Sector Consultative Board (PSCB) of the International Jute Study Group (IJSG) was held on 24-25 November 2006 at the Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza in Kathmandu, Nepal. Mr. Sanjay Kajaria, Chairman of the PSCB chaired the meeting. Dr. Ram Saran Mahat, Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of Nepal inaugurated an international workshop on Jute Cultivation and Manufacturing in Nepal: a Challenge and the Sixth PSCB meeting as the Chief Guest. Mr. A.F.M. Sarwar Kamal, Secretary General of the IJSG was present in the meeting and made a statement.

Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of Nepal emphasized the importance of jute in the social life of Nepal and remarked that growth of jute sector in Nepal would generate employment and alleviate poverty to a great extent. Nepal should endevour to adopt new technologies for the production of better quality fibre and diversified jute products, he added. In this context he stressed on the necessity of co-operation among the producing countries. He hoped that appropriate recommendations will emerge from the meeting.

The Secretary General, IJSG in his statement remarked that PSCB is the direct linkage between the IJSG and the Private Sector which provides a forum to discuss various challenges faced by the jute industry. Mr. Kamal hoped that the delegates would come up with productive ideas and proposals for the overall improvement of the jute sector and make the PSCB more effective. He urged the Government of Nepal to consider becoming a Member of the IJSG for the benefit of poor farmers, and to generate employment, particularly for women and for the overall growth of the global jute economy. 

During the Business Session, Dr. Deva Bhakta Shakya, Executive Director, Agro Enterprises Centre-FNCCI presented a paper on Jute Production in Nepal: Prospects and Problems. Another paper on Challenges faced by Jute Industries in Nepal was presented by Mr. Prakash Mundhra, Vice President, Nepal Jute Mills Association (NJMA).

In the Sixth PSCB meeting important issues like Harmonisation of Raw Jute Standards, cooperation between buyers’/consumers’ organizations, strategy for promotion of technical textiles including geo-textiles, improvement of processing machinery and overall strategy for the jute sector etc. were discussed.

The Chairman of the PSCB in his speech drew attention to some basic issues like necessity of good quality seed and fibre, improvement of processing machinery, market promotion etc. He pointed out that attempt should be taken to popularize technical textiles, geo-textiles so that bulk quantity of jute could be utilised.

Mr. Diwakar Golchha, First Vice President of FNCCI highlighted on the Jute Industries in Nepal. Mr. Bharat Bahadur Thapa, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal and Mr. R.K. Poddar, Chairman of the Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) spoke in the inaugural Session. Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Ambassador of Bangladesh in Nepal also attended the function.

Among others Mr. Humayun Mazhar, Vice-Chairmen of t