February 16, 2007

 

Thailand shrimp farmers raise voice against Australian rules

 

 

A group of 50 shrimp farmers from southern Thailand submitted a letter to a representative of the Australian embassy in Bangkok recently protesting Canberra's new import rules.

 

A group led by Thai Marine Shrimp Farmers' Association president Surapol Pratuangtum requested that the Australian government re-consider its implementation of new import risk analysis (IRA) procedures to block shrimp imports from Thailand, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Australia recently released a draft import risk analysis (IRA) paper regarding new standards imposed on shrimp imports. It requires certification to guarantee that Thai shrimp products are free from marine diseases.

 

Claiming that Thai shrimps contained five strains of virus, the measure provided that concerned agencies submit a confirmation of their enforcing corrective measures for the safety of consumers no later than Feb 21 before the analysis is approved and takes effect.

 

Considering the fact that a free trade agreement between Thailand and Australia is now taking effect, Thai shrimp farmers regard the Australian measure unfair.

 

In fact, the Thai side felt, the measure was to protect their own approximately 100 shrimp farms.

 

Meanwhile, they urged the Thai government to negotiate and press for the Australian government.

 

Jaranthada Karnasuta, director-general of the Fisheries Department, said that a working group had already prepared information on Thai shrimp and farming standards and would submit the same to Australian agencies when they meet on Feb 15.

 

Thailand's shrimp exports are currently valued at THB 80 billion (US$2.39 billion).

 

Thailand is the number one exporter of shrimp to Australia.