State Minister announces initiatives to modernize Rajshahi silk through China-Bangladesh cooperation, focusing on technology, research and international markets.
<cite index="21-4,21-5">State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam has announced that the government has taken various initiatives to modernize Rajshahi's traditional silk industry and restore its lost glory, including promoting modern technology, research and training, improving sericulture methods, expanding mulberry cultivation and enhancing the quality of silk yarn.</cite>
<cite index="21-6,21-7">The state minister made the remarks while addressing a conference titled "Sericulture Research and Development in the Context of Strategic Cooperation between China and Bangladesh" as the chief guest in Rajshahi on 18 August. The China-Bangladesh Silk Research Center organised the conference in cooperation with the Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board at the Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute.</cite>
<cite index="21-10,21-11">Recalling the historical significance of Rajshahi silk, the minister said the industry was once a symbol of aristocracy, beauty and Bengali heritage, but its prominence had declined over the years due to various crises. He said new initiatives in research, technology and international cooperation could help the industry regain its position, particularly by opening access to the large Chinese market.</cite>
<cite index="22-7,22-8,22-9">The state minister noted that China, one of the world's largest silk producers and consumers, offers a promising market for Bangladeshi silk, and establishing a strong presence there could directly benefit silk farmers, weavers and entrepreneurs in Rajshahi. He also stressed the need for quality silk yarn and fabrics alongside modern designs, packaging, branding and marketing strategies to establish "Rajshahi Silk" as a strong international brand.</cite>