Panchagarh: Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today announced that the country’s first beet sugar mill has opened new prospects in agro-based industries, assuring government support for expanding such innovative initiatives. ‘This is not merely a theoretical concept; it is a promising initiative that has already been successfully implemented in practice,’ he stated during a visit to the beet sugar mill at Ramganj Bilashi Char in the Teesta riverbank area under Debiganj upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister addressed a discussion meeting after his visit, highlighting the initiative’s significance, which ranges from molasses production to preparations for modern sugar manufacturing. He emphasized the potential of this model for the country’s agro-industrial sector and expressed the government’s commitment to bringing Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) certification services online to resolve procedural complications for entrepreneurs. The government is also contemplating establishing branch offices in nearby areas to ensure easier access to services.
Muktadir mentioned that the government is determined to reduce cargo transportation and export costs to keep Bangladeshi products competitive in the global market. Additionally, discussions about a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea are ongoing, which could create new opportunities for the country’s export sector if implemented.
The minister revealed plans for a coordination meeting involving the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to explore beet sugar production prospects. He assured entrepreneurs of necessary assistance, including loans, to support their initiatives.
Entrepreneur Md Abdus Salam pointed out that the Rangpur division is ideal for sugar beet cultivation due to favorable land conditions and a prolonged winter. Since 2013, experimental cultivation in various districts has shown promising results. Salam expressed optimism that sugar production from the beet sugar mill would commence in 2027, with an estimated annual output of 45,000 tons of sugar, 4.8 million cubic meters of gas, 45,000 tons of organic fertilizer, and 30,000 tons of animal feed.
Salam also urged the government to facilitate EPB certification, finalize the trade agreement with South Korea, and introduce cargo flights from northern Bangladesh to bolster exports. Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman and Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mst. Shukria Begum also addressed the program, attended by local public representatives, government officials, entrepreneurs, and farmer representatives.