August 27, 2010

Indonesian shrimp exporters internationally certified

Two Indonesian shrimp exporters, Lampung-based PT Biru Laut Khatulistiwa and Cintra Proteinprima, have been awarded certificates by the international Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC), facilitating their exports to Europe and the US.

Sukenda of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture said Wednesday (Aug 25) that the certification was badly needed for the continuation of exports and to anticipate fishery trade issues which were linked to the environment, social and food security.

"Our consumers in the US and Europe commonly require such certification," he said.

The two Lampung-based shrimp exporters were among the 19 exporters in Indonesia who had been awarded the certifications.

The number is far smaller compared with that of Thailand whose number had reached tens of firms, he said.

"A total of 290 exporters have applied for the certifications but only 19 of them were successful, or below 10%," he said.