December 01, 2003

First Global Aquaculture Discussion Forum To Be Held in Dhaka, Bangladesh

The first meeting of the Global Aquaculture Discussion Forum (GADF) is set to begin in Bangladesh's Dhaka on December 3, 2003.

Jointly organised by Bangladesh Shrimp Foundation (BSF) and Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), the two-day international meeting will be attended by representatives from buyers, international organisations, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) donors and trade associations and farmer from the USA, Europe and Asia. HSEC is supporting the event as a partner.

Objectives of the forum are to establish a better understanding of market developments and emerging trading practices in aquaculture products, certifications sytems, codes of conduct traceability and its implications on the industry.

The forum seeks to agree on measures to ensure continued dialogue among stakeholders and a formula for resolving any conflicts that may rise between the stakeholder groups.

The global buyers and consumers for quality and traceability of exported shrimp are holding the meeting in the backdrop of increasing concerns.

Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will be the chief guest while State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Ukil Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan will be the special guest in the opining session.

Acting chief of Party of ATDP Ron Gillespie, BSF Chairman Syed Mahmudul Huq, NACA Director General Pedro B Bueno, acting mission director of USAID Beth Paige, and President of Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) George Chamberlain will also address the meeting.

A total of 4.2 million people are involved in the shrimp industry of Bangladesh and the country earns around $300 million annually by exporting shrimp produces mainly to the USA International trade in seafood has expanded form around $7.0 billion in 1976 to $55.3 billion in the year 2000.