Though the Chinese market for mango and other tropical fruits from Bangladesh is an emerging one, yet the growth of especially mango export saw a sharp rise from a mere 310 tonnes in FY 2018-19 to 1,757 tonnes in FY 2021-22. But this highly potential farm-product market of Bangladesh is also facing risks as Beijing has reportedly asked Dhaka to take urgent measures to remove pests from mangoes before exporting those to China. As Bangladesh's exports are in desperate need to diversify, the government agencies concerned should be very proactive in responding to any query or complaint about the items for export coming from the prospective importing country in question. It is more so, given the highly competitive market.
But to all appearances, the expected alacrity is not being demonstrated by the Bangladesh side. It may be recalled in this connection that in 2021 the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), the Chinese customs authority, gave the green signal that it would import six agricultural products including mango, jackfruit, guava, potato, soya meal and aromatic rice from Bangladesh. As required by the GACC, in 2022, Bangladesh's diplomatic mission in that country also submitted to it (GACC), a report prepared by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) on Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for mango. Notably, in its feedback on the PRA from DAE, the GACC did indicate some 13 types of pest that could enter China along with the exported mango. Needless to say, it was a matter of high priority on the part of DAE to take prompt measures to free the mangoes from the pests as noted by GACC before their export to China. The Bangladesh mission in China did also send a letter to this effect pointing out the urgency of the issue to the DAE. Though the DAE's prompt response in this regard is crucial for obtaining the necessary clearance from the Chinese authority concerned for exporting mango there, it has not been forthcoming so far. This is unfortunate. For it is not just about only a single exportable, but here is at stake a whole range of farm products from Bangladesh that China had earlier showed eagerness to import. The local exporters or responsible government bodies need to be extra-sensitive about any inquiry or critical input coming from that market.
It would be worthwhile to recall that in 2020, China banned the import of fishery products such as live crab and eel from Bangladesh as those contained harmful bacteria. That was undoubtedly embarrassing for Bangladesh as it has long and warm diplomatic relations with China. It is also not the only instance of such laxity or delinquency on the part of a section of exporters from Bangladesh. Moreover, it is also due to such wrongful business practice that in the past Bangladesh lost its overseas shrimp market.
In that case, any repeat of any unprofessionalism or lackadaisical attitude from responsible government agencies or delinquency of exporters may leave an irreversibly negative impact on the prospect of accessing potential emerging markets for Bangladeshi products abroad. So, the government's agricultural research body concerned should waste no further time in responding to the queries from Chinese importing authorities about the presence of pests in mango and other farm products from Bangladesh. A prompt step is vital for increasing Bangladesh's export to China, if only for reducing the ever-widening trade gap with that country.
Exporting pest-free farm products to China
FE Team | Published: October 27, 2023 19:40:06
Exporting pest-free farm products to China
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