DATE trees grow naturally in Bangladesh. The sweet juices of the date trees are collected and drunk with much relish in the countryside. It is also sought after by the citizens to make different dishes. Fine quality molasses are made from the juices. Experts are of the view that the same molasses can be put through fermentation processes to produce world-class alcoholic drinks for export. Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants are discouraged in Bangladesh but there can be no bar to making the same for exports specially when we are looking for ways to diversify our export goods. Sugarcane is also found in abundance in Bangladesh and a large quantity of sugar is made from it. Again experts maintain that much value can be added to the juices of sugarcane or cane sugar by using them as the basic raw materials for producing a variety of alcoholic drinks for the export market. Cane sugar can be converted into different forms and the same have high value in the pharmaceutical industries. Such converted cane sugar can also be exported. Furniture made from canes has found popularity in our country. Furniture of this type has a high demand also among foreigners for their quality and artistry. Cane-made furniture, too, have good export prospects. Looking around in our country, we may find many inexpensive products which can be transformed into foreign currency earning export products provided there is enterprise among some of us. Export promotion bodies should systematically provide encouragement to the export of such non-conventional products.
A F M Sulaiman Pahartali, Chittagong
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