Manila:Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has emphasized the need for eco-friendly production, protection of workers' rights, and digital traceability to enhance Bangladesh's standing in the international premium shrimp market. Despite having more land for shrimp cultivation than neighboring India, Bangladesh lags behind in exports, highlighting the need to improve both productivity and quality.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Muktadir stressed the importance of responsible business practices throughout the supply chain during a high-level dialogue on the shrimp sector. This event was held at a city hotel, jointly organized by the International Labour Organization, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and TotalFood Processing Ltd, a member of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association.
The minister highlighted the shrimp sector's potential to diversify exports, noting that Bangladesh's exports of frozen fish and shrimp increased by 19 percent last year, reaching nearly $300 million. However, the sector holds even greater potential for growth, as demonstrated by India's shrimp exports exceeding $5 billion in 2024-25. Muktadir sees this gap as an opportunity to enhance productivity and quality.
He emphasized the importance of transparency in production for expanding access to international markets, noting that buyers now consider product quality, production conditions, and environmental standards. Muktadir advocated for moving beyond paper-based documentation to establish a digital traceability system.
The Ministry of Commerce has already formed a Responsible Business Conduct Cell, and efforts are underway to develop a national policy on responsible business conduct, including labor rights and traceability strategies. The European Union, as Bangladesh's largest shrimp market, remains a focus for deepening trade relations, potentially through a free trade agreement.
The minister highlighted the shrimp industry's significance to coastal livelihoods and the economy, stressing the government's commitment to ensuring the fair rights and protection of all involved in the supply chain. The dialogue also featured contributions from Michal Krejza of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh and ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, emphasizing the role of coordinated efforts in establishing Bangladeshi shrimp as a responsible and sustainable premium brand in international markets.