Dhaka, Oct 15 (V7N) – Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called for strengthening eco-friendly production, workers' rights and digital traceability across the supply chain to enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness in premium international shrimp markets.
Although Bangladesh has a larger area of land under shrimp cultivation than neighbouring India, it lags behind the country in export earnings, he said, stressing the need to improve productivity, product quality and responsible business practices at every stage, from production to export.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a high-level dialogue on the shrimp sector at Sheraton Dhaka Hotel in the capital this evening, according to a press release.
The dialogue was jointly organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) , the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) and Total Food Processing (Pvt.) Ltd. , a member company of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA).
Highlighting the potential of the shrimp sector in diversifying the country's exports, Muktadir said Bangladesh's exports of frozen fish and shrimp increased by 19 percent last year to around US$300 million**. However, he said, the sector had much greater potential for growth. India exported shrimp worth more than US$5 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. Despite having around 42 percent more land under shrimp cultivation than India, Bangladesh remains behind in exports, which presents a significant opportunity to improve productivity and quality, he added.
Emphasising transparency in production to expand access to international markets, the minister said global buyers now assess not only product quality but also who produces the goods, the working conditions of labourers and whether production follows environmentally sustainable practices. He stressed the need to move beyond paper-based documentation and establish an integrated, transparent digital traceability system covering the entire supply chain.
The minister said the Ministry of Commerce had already established a Responsible Business Conduct Cell. Work is also underway to formulate a national policy on responsible business conduct, including labour rights, and a traceability strategy.
Identifying the European Union as Bangladesh's largest market for shrimp, Muktadir said the government was committed to undertaking various reforms to deepen bilateral trade relations, including through free trade agreements (FTAs). Highlighting the shrimp industry's importance to coastal livelihoods and the national economy, he said ensuring fair rights and protection for all stakeholders—including farmers, depot workers, processing plant workers and exporters—remained a key government priority.
Head of Development Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michal Krejza spoke as a special guest, while ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tuñón delivered the closing remarks. The speakers said coordinated efforts by the government, development partners and the private sector could play a vital role in establishing Bangladeshi shrimp as a responsible, environmentally friendly and sustainable premium brand in international markets.
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