He said these things in the speech of the chief guest at a lease agreement signing ceremony organized in the conference room of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute at the Secretariat on Thursday.
The Commerce Minister said, inefficiency is seen in many areas of government-run businesses. On the other hand, the daily management and operational efficiency of the private sector is comparatively higher. Therefore, if private investment is facilitated, production and employment will increase significantly.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Finance Secretary Dr. Khairuzzaman Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute and senior officials of related departments were present at the event.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam said, ensuring the maximum and effective use of state resources is one of the main goals of the current government. For this purpose, initiatives have been taken to revive production, employment and economic activities by attracting private investment in the closed mills of Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC).
He informed that out of 25 mills that have stopped production, 20 have been selected for leasing. Lease agreements for 14 mills have already been completed and production has started in 9 mills.
Currently, about 9,500 people are employed in these mills and about 160 metric tons of jute products are being produced daily.
The State Minister said, out of 77.2 acres of land of Bangladesh Jute Mills Limited, Narsingdi, earlier 34.50 acres of land were leased to Jute Alliance Limited. Currently, about 40 metric tons of jute products are being produced there daily and about 3,200 people are employed.
He informed that with the aim of expanding production, an additional 14.80 acres of land has been leased to the organization this time. Through this, new investments of about Tk 1,050 crore will be made.
He expressed hope that as a result of this investment, products worth about Tk 3,000 crore will be produced annually and new employment will be created for about 3,000 people.
The State Minister said, this investment is not just an expansion of an industrial establishment; rather, it will play an important role in implementing the government's economic goals through industrialization, increasing exports and creating new employment.
