Dhaka lobbies to expand shrimp market in US
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
NEW YORK, Jun 24 (BSS): The government is trying to expand Bangladesh's shrimp market in the US, addressing some existing controversies.
A three-member delegation led by Fisheries and Livestock Ministry secretary Syed Ataur Rahman recently visited the US seeking to retain and expand there the market of shrimp, the second largest export item of Bangladesh.
Rupsha-Bagerhat Seafood and Southern Food President Amzad Hossain and Vice President Belal Chowdhury were the two other members of the delegation.
The Bangladesh delegation held meetings with policymakers, lawmakers, lobbyist groups, labour organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Washington from June 17 to 19.
A video documentary on shrimp processing in Bangladesh was screened during the meetings.
Fisheries Secretary Ataur Rahman told journalists that the meetings were held in a very cordial atmosphere and the talks were fruitful.
There were many questions about child labour, standard and environment of fish processing plants, and the delegation could explain all the issues, he added.
The US Congress, Labour Union, National Fisheries Institute and some other organisations had been raising objections for long citing the issues of child labour and environment in processing plants, and quality of shrimp.
Bangladesh government and the fish producing and processing plants were refuting the objections.
Bangladesh delegation members said the shrimp sector has a very big prospect, as the country's shrimp market is expanding day by day.
All concerned would have to work sincerely to retain the shrimp market in the US and other countries, they added.
A three-member delegation led by Fisheries and Livestock Ministry secretary Syed Ataur Rahman recently visited the US seeking to retain and expand there the market of shrimp, the second largest export item of Bangladesh.
Rupsha-Bagerhat Seafood and Southern Food President Amzad Hossain and Vice President Belal Chowdhury were the two other members of the delegation.
The Bangladesh delegation held meetings with policymakers, lawmakers, lobbyist groups, labour organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Washington from June 17 to 19.
A video documentary on shrimp processing in Bangladesh was screened during the meetings.
Fisheries Secretary Ataur Rahman told journalists that the meetings were held in a very cordial atmosphere and the talks were fruitful.
There were many questions about child labour, standard and environment of fish processing plants, and the delegation could explain all the issues, he added.
The US Congress, Labour Union, National Fisheries Institute and some other organisations had been raising objections for long citing the issues of child labour and environment in processing plants, and quality of shrimp.
Bangladesh government and the fish producing and processing plants were refuting the objections.
Bangladesh delegation members said the shrimp sector has a very big prospect, as the country's shrimp market is expanding day by day.
All concerned would have to work sincerely to retain the shrimp market in the US and other countries, they added.