Bangladesh sets shrimp export target on reopened EU market

 

 

A target to export freshwater shrimp worth Tk45.00 billion (US$644.6 million) to different destinations including EU this year has been set by the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA).

 

Clouds over Bangladesh's freshwater shrimp industry is paring down as the EU renewed its confidence once again in the Bangladeshi shrimp, second biggest foreign currency earner.

 

A high-powered EU delegation is due on January 18 to examine latest improvement in compliance issue as the six-month self- imposed ban on shrimp (galda) import to the EU comes to an end Monday.

 

On June 1, entrepreneurs voluntarily suspended the export of salt-water shrimp to the EU for six months following detection of health hazardous antibiotic-nitrofuran in shrimp, resulting in cancellation of more than 50 consignments.

 

BFFEA had already forwarded a proposal to the government suggesting the setting up of at least two modern testing labs in Khulna and Chittagong on an urgent basis, he said adding that the BFFEA did not want to see suspension of export again.

 

About use of chemicals in shrimp production, BFFEA president Musa Mia urged the government to give necessary directives to the deputy commissioners (DCs) of Khulna and Chittagong so that a campaign to withdraw the antibiotic drug items from local markets could be initiated.

 

Musa said the sector had witnessed some sort of uncertainty after two consecutive disasters and global recession that brought down prices, forcing some factories to shut down and ultimately dented the buyers demand for salt-water shrimp.

 

Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) Chairman Syed Mahmudul Haq said that the foundation has embarked on a plan to formulate 'national plan' in collaboration with industries association and the department of Fisheries (DoF) for promotion of the sector.

 

Fisheries and Livestock Ministry sources said Bangladesh exported freshwater shrimp (galda) worth Tk1.14 billion (US$16.3 million) to different destinations excepting the EU during June to November last year while it was Tk2.46 billion (US$35.2 million) during corresponding the period in 2008.

 

Export of shrimp (bagda) raked in Tk13.48 billion (US$193.1 million) during June-November 2009, Tk1.73 billion (US$24.7 million) more than that of the same period of previous year.

 

The country exported around 50,368 tonnes of shrimp and earned Tk27.74 billion (US$397.4 million) last year and this year the ministry is expected to export 55,000 tonnes of shrimp.