August 22, 2013

Shrimp exporters from Honduras hope to surpass the sales target of more than US$200 million this year, following the recent entry into force of the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America.

"We believe that with the enforcement of the partnership agreement with Europe this month of August, we can definitely increase this product exports to the European market," said Marco Polo Micheletti, industry representative and former director of the National Aquaculture Association of Honduras (Andah).

"If everything is successful, the shrimp sector will come out with flying colours, and it is very likely to exceed US$200 million in foreign exchange," he added.

After signing the bilateral agreement, many companies are committed to diversifying their offer and expanding their production and facilities.

In addition, he stressed that increasing the value added of the cooked shrimp would broaden not only the possibility of increasing the market, but also the number of jobs in the south area of Honduras. Even, some firms in the industry are trying to register three harvests during the year.

Micheletti also pointed out that current market conditions are favourable for the country. He explained that the shrimp from Asia, mainly from Vietnam and Thailand, have been affected by the disease known as hepatopancreatitis. And a disease that is also affecting production and harms the liver and pancreas of young state shrimp has also appeared, causing heavy losses due to the specimens' subsequent death.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), through the National Health Service (SENASA), has already taken the necessary precautions to delay the arrival of the disease.

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