Dhaka: Textiles and Jute Minister M Emaj Uddin Pramanik has urged the US business leaders having Bangladesh origin to explore market for Bangladesh jute products in the USA.

The minister also stressed maintaining the international standard of Bangladeshi jute products, and bio-degradable nature of its fibre, and said an aggressive marketing strategy for jute products could help make a niche in the US market if the local buyers could be effectively sensitised about its potential role in reducing emissions.

The minister was speaking at an interactive meeting organised by the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York on Friday, according to a message received here on Saturday.

A good number of leading Bangladeshi-American businessmen along with community leaders based in New York attended the event.  

At the outset of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the fallen persons of 9/11 as the event coincided with the day.  

While giving a historical perspective on the 'golden fibre' and its importance on Bangladesh economy, Pramanik briefed the business leaders about the policy priority of the present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to expand its market globally.  

The meeting generated huge interest among the participating business leaders and a lively Q&A session followed the meeting.  

Later, he distributed various jute-made products among the business leaders.  

The minister is currently leading a three-member delegation to the USA after the UAE as a second leg of his 2-nation tour as part of government strategy to expand market for jute and jute products.