The export of shrimps and other frozen fishes faces hindrances as the related laws, rules, policies and codes of conducts set for the fisheries sector are not being followed properly.
The laws, rules, policies and codes of conducts should be strictly followed to immediately eliminate all the obstacles to this potential sector to earn from foreign currency, viewed the speakers while addressing a workshop held yesterday in the capital.
“The laws and policies should also be amended, if necessary, to increase the export volume of this sector.”
Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) organised the workshop titled “Review of and recommendations on existing Code of Conducts (CoCs) for Bangladesh Shrimp Industry in the light of import Rules and regulations of EU and USA”.
BSFF Executive Director Mahmudul Karim presented a keynote paper at the seminar with its president Syed Mahmudul Haq in the chair. As chief guest, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Shelina Afroza, also delivered her speech.
Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute’s Chief Executive Officer Mozibur Rahman, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Mike Robson and Vice Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau Shubhashish Bose also discussed in the workshop.
Attending the workshop the experts opined: It is a must to implement the local and foreign laws and policies to assure expansion of fisheries and shrimp export. The entrance of the goods in the foreign market would be expanded, only if it is done.
“The people of the country are getting over 60% of animal protein and 50% of calcium from fish. Over 53% of total fish production are coming from aquaculture. Nearly 50% of the global fish production are from aquaculture origin,’’ said BSFF Executive Director Mahmudul Karim in his key note paper.
Around 80 to 85% of fisheries exported are coming from aquaculture while more than 80 per cents export comes from shrimp alone. So, aquaculture is the biggest source of future fish supply for domestic consumption, export and rural employments for men and women and poverty reduction, he said.
Considering the situation the government has prepared a code of conduct. It was prepared aiming to expand the export and production of Black tiger or Bagda shrimp and Galda shrimp and hatcheries and farms, establishing fish feed mills, shrimp collection and service centers, ice plants, fishing boats and vessels and fish carriers, Karim further added.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
