Agrilife24.com: On January 25, 2023, the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Horticulture, Fruits, and Non-Food Crops Activity (the Activity) announced that with TFO (Trade Facilitation Office) Canada, and SME Foundation Bangladesh support, 14 Bangladeshi Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are participating in the "NY NOW Winter Show" in New York City on February 5-8, 2023, to promote and market Bangladeshi jute & natural fiber diversified products to North American buyers.
This information was given in a press conference at an elite hotel in the capital's Gulshan today (25 January. Mr.Anwar Faruque, Advisor, Feed the Future Bangladesh Horticulture Activity presented detailed information about the program.
Ms. Lilly Nicholls ,Canadian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Mr. Joseph Lessard Acting Office Director, Economic Growth Office, USAID, Dr. Md. Mafizur Rahman Managing Director, SME Foundation were present at the event.
Speakers at the press conference said the Activity partnered with Global Affairs Canada-funded, the Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (WIT) project Implemented by TFO Canada and the SME Foundation of the Government of Bangladesh in Bangladesh.
The press conference was informed Bangladesh has abundant jute fiber for the jute diversified sector to flourish. Jute products are eco-friendly and have increasing demand in the international market. However, there's a knowledge gap among the Bangladeshi jute diversified product manufacturer of the type and style of product that the global market demands. Moreover, in some cases, the SMEs lack knowledge of standard and compliant production practices required for the international market. As a result, many SMEs produce jute-based products, but their access to the global market is limited. This initiative will provide an excellent opportunity for these local SMEs to understand, learn, and design products for international buyers and provide an international platform for showcasing Bangladeshi products.
The organizers mentioned the initiative started with a 3-day long export readiness workshop titled 'Canadian and International Market Access for the SMEs' jointly organized by the USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Horticulture Activity and TFO-Canada in association with SME Foundation Bangladesh. 34 SMEs of the jute diversified sector participated in this workshop. Out of these SMEs, 14 are selected, based on predefined criteria, to participate in the NY NOW Winter Trade Show 2023.
Participating SMEs are Aasiix International, Adorsholipi, Design by Rubina, Golden Jute Product, Jermatz Limited, Jute Land Bangladesh, Jutemart & Craft in Bangladesh, Jutemart International, Karujog, Prokritee, Sami's World, Sutar Kabbo Limited, The Jute Fibers BD, and Tulika Eco.
The jute and natural fiber products exhibited by these SMEs at the fair include handbags, mats, and other fashion accessories made from jute, as well as natural fiber home decor and gift items. These environmentally friendly and sustainable products make them popular among consumers increasingly looking for eco-friendly options.
Protima Chakraborti from Jute Land Bangladesh expresses her thought, "NY NOW creates new possibilities for us as we expand our growth into US and Canadian markets. I am hopeful about the experience and knowledge we will gather."
Ismat Jarin Khan from Jermatz Limited also said, "This fair will assist us in many ways. It will allow us to find new buyers and customers for our companies. Moreover, if we get orders, our artisans will benefit immensely."
The NY NOW trade fair attracts thousands of buyers from North America, thus providing an excellent opportunity for the participating SMEs to increase their exports. The fair will enhance the export potential of Bangladeshi jute and natural fiber products, creating more jobs and supporting the country's economic growth.
