February 21, 2012

In order to protect the industry and boost foreign currency earnings, Bangladesh's frozen food exporters Saturday (Feb 18) demanded quick approval for vannamei shrimp.

They said the farming of vannamei shrimp in the country will help cover protean deficiency, activate sick shrimp factories and double the export earnings if farming of new variety with high productivity is introduced.

The demand came at a seminar on 'technique to increase production of shrimp and fish and policy formulation' at Cox'S Bazar, said a statement.

Commerce secretary Md Ghulam Hossain was present as the chief guest while Fisheries and Livestock joint secretary Md Shamsul Kibria attended at the seminar as the special guest.

There has been a tremendous demand for new variety of shrimp in Russia, Australia, Canada, Spain and New Zealand as well as in Asia as the small sized shrimp is available at an affordable price, they said.

Highlighting the contribution of the new variety to development of shrimp and fish industries in India, Thailand and Vietnam, speakers requested the government to allow farming of vannamei shrimp in the country as early as possible.

They focused on the importance of costal aquaculture authority formulation and environment friendly and sustainable shrimp and fish farming.

They called for taking steps to increase the production of pangasia and Telapia which have a huge demand in developed countries across the globe.

President of Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA) Kazi Shahnewaz, Director General of Department of Fisheries Syed Arif Azad were present, among others, at the seminar.