International Jute Organisation (IJO) is set to get a new lease of life with the rejoining of India. paving the way for clinching a new agreement for its continuity. reports BSS.

India, the biggest producer of Jute and an influential member of the Dhaka-based global body, has resumed Its participation from December 23 following high-level national and International efforts. IJO sources told BSS yesterday.

The country, which withdrew from the lone UN affiliate headquartered in Dhaka over certain disagreements early this year, has communicated its decision of rejoining to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in

late December.

International Agreement on Jute and Jute Products, 1989, which determines the extent of IJO's existence, is scheduled to expire on April 11 next. A fresh agreement must be struck before under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to keep the body alive after the expiry of the pact.

Talking to BSS. Mahfujal Islam. Chairman of International Jute Council (IJC), the gweming body of IJO. said the ouncil has already welcomed the Indian, decision of rejoining.

Islam, who is also the Secretary of the Ministry of Jute, Bangladesh, said a meeting of the Preparatory Committee (Prepcom) will be convened in Dhaka In early February, which will be followed by a special IJC session to finalise the draft agreement.

The final draft .greement is expected to be ratified in another meeting at the UNCTAD headquarters in Geneva to be held shortly after the IJC session.

Since its establishment In Dhaka in 1984 the IJO has been looking after the interests of both the Jute producing and importing countries.