Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on agriculture. Bangladesh is still a major jute producer, but the crop has declined as an export earner. Tea is the second most important export. Rice is grown as a staple food and other agricultural produce includes wheat, corn, sugarcane, oilseeds, potatoes, bananas coconuts, mangoes and tobacco. Fish and shellfish such as shrimps and prawns are an important cash crop.
Fish are an essential part of the local diet, which has resulted in the over fishing of the rivers.
Other important industries are forestry and the exploitation of the country's resources of natural gas, coal, peat, limestone and clay. Bangladesh is developing its industrial base. Jute products are manufactured in modern mills as well as made by villagers. The production of paper, textiles, clothing, processed food, fertilizers, chemicals, cement and leather are all important to the economy. There is some heavy industry around Chittagong.