Two back to back workshops held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on October 21 discussed the future of shrimps sector in Bangladesh and various challenges of and approaches to introducing e-Traceability in the sector and adopted a number of resolutions for increasing production and ensuring quality processing of fish resources.
The first workshop titled “Future of Shrimps: Market, Technologies and Diseases with Particular Reference to Containing Possible Emergence of Pathogen in Shrimp Sector of Bangladesh” focused on the ground reality relating to the present production and processing of shrimps products. Emphasis was laid on significant potential for production and income gain from the sector in Bangladesh.
The second workshop titled “Introduction of e-Traceability System in Shrimp Sector of Bangladesh: Challenges and Approaches” discussed how Bangladesh can go about introducing e-Traceability in the sector which is increasingly being emphasized as a prerequisite for ensuring product quality and compliance with relevant international norms and standards.
Shrimp is a very important resource that supports a large industry in Bangladesh
Senior Secretary of Ministry of Commerce Hedayetullah Al Mamoon and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Anisur Rahman attended the workshops as the chief guest and the special guest respectively.
Both the workshops were attended by a cross section of stakeholders from Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters’ Association (BFFEA), Shrimp Hatchery Association of Bangladesh (SHAB), Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF).
The events were organized by BSFF in collaboration with DoF and BFFEA and supported by Bangladesh Business Promotion Council and US Department of Agriculture.
Hedayetullah Al Mamoon underscored that Bangladesh can become world’s one of the major producers of shrimps and prawn.while William Collis, Chief of Party, USDA SAFETI told that Bangladesh has the space, enabling condition (soils-salinity) and the right climate to be able to do so and appropriate technologies for the purpose are available.
They observed that planned actions and a conscious effort to work for progress in the sector with due cognizance of social and environmental issues should be a priority for Bangladesh if the sector is to realize its full potential.
The second workshop on e-Traceability highlighted the importance of taking immediate initiative for comprehensive action for introducing e-Traceability in the shrimp sector in Bangladesh. This is necessary to ensure product quality, enhance consumers’ confidence and effective branding of Bangladeshi products.
The discussants in the workshops highlighted that supportive measures need to be undertaken at specific points of improved value chain in the sector, introduction of appropriate IT applications and development of support measures required for successful introduction of any e-Traceability arrangement in Bangladesh.
It was noted during the workshop that Bangladesh Government is committed to introduce a credible traceability system in the shrimp sector at the earliest and that work is on for the purpose. The workshop was also informed that FAO is also working with the Government in this regard. The outlines of a pilot program for introduction of e-Traceability in Bangladesh shrimp sector was also presented during the workshop.
