Shrimp exports dogged by environment worries

Commerce Minister Faruk Khan speaks at the opening of a two-day workshop on Shrimp Export from Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday.Photo: STAR

Policymakers and diplomats yesterday called on shrimp industry operators to diligently work towards protecting the environment from degradation and ensure health and labour issues for sustainable growth and continued shrimp exports.
“We have attached importance to growth of the fisheries sector in our election manifesto. At the same time, protecting the environment is also a priority for us. We have to do farming, but not at the cost of the environment,” said Commerce Minister Faruk Khan.
“We cannot destroy our canals and river systems in coastal areas in the name of shrimp farming. You should try to ensure that the environment is protected,” he told industry operators at the opening of a two-day workshop -- Shrimp Export from Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges -- at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.
Fishery Products and Business Promotion Council, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation and Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association organised the event in collaboration with the commerce and fisheries and livestock ministries.
The programme was organised at a time when freshwater prawn exports from Bangladesh endured a six-month 'voluntary ban' after cancellation of about 50 consignments to Europe, due to a health hazardous nitrofuran contamination.
Stakeholders said the voluntary ban, which was imposed in May, was to allow the industry to detect the source of the contamination.
The ban will expire in November. Khan expects the problem will be solved by year-end.
According to the industry people, fresh water shrimps account for over 20 percent of total annual export earnings worth more than $400 million from the frozen food sector. Shrimp exports to the European and US markets account for remaining earnings.
Khan said the ban affected export earnings. “Necessary steps have been taken to remove the problem. By December, we should have a solution,” he said, adding that testing facilities for uncontaminated shrimp exports are being expanded.
“The government is trying to do its best and will do everything to see the sector flourish, provided environment and compliance issues are addressed properly,” said the commerce minister.
US Ambassador James F Moriarty said the shrimp industry is now the second largest export earner of Bangladesh and provides hundreds of thousands of jobs.
“This is not a small achievement and it is difficult to overstate the importance of the sector, both locally and nationally,” he said, expecting the sector to continue growth in the coming years.
“Growth should however not come at the expense of environmental degradation. Following environmentally safe shrimp industry practices, with an eye towards sustainability, is critical for the industry,” said Moriarty.
“The environment should be seriously considered and protected, as businesses and the government work to develop the shrimp industry.”
He also suggested producers adhere to international standards, particularly in regard to health, environment and labour standards.
“The good news is, meeting with health, safety and environmental standards will ensure increased demand for Bangladeshi shrimp,” he said.
Stefan Frowein, head of European Commission Delegation to Bangladesh, stressed the need for producing safe shrimps to ensure entry into the European market.
“We seek guarantees that products are hygienic and safe for consumption. Whenever we have concerns, it is because of the legitimate expectation of our consumers to have safe food.”