Natural Fibres and the World Economy

摘要

Natural fibres are drivers of economic development and are of critical importance to the economies of many developing and least-developed countries. Natural fibres can be stored for years without loss of value. They do not require refrigeration, and when baled and stored properly, do not degrade in quality and are resistant to mould, bacteria, insects and vermin. When packed to international standards, a bale of natural fibre — whether cotton, wool, jute, sisal or other — is so dense that oxygen issqueezed from the interior, preventing fires and making it impossible for diseases to spread and insects to survive. Bales of fibre will not absorb water, and as long as the bale ties are not broken, will float indefinitely. Natural fibres can be transported over rough roads for thousands of kilometres with little risk of damage, unlike other agricultural commodities such as grain.