Advisor for Science and Technology Urges Use of Technology to Boost Shrimp Production

Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed, Advisor for Science and Technology and currently acting advisor to the Ministry of Commerce, has urged for the increased use of technology to enhance shrimp production in Bangladesh. Speaking on Monday (November 4) during a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ahmed emphasized that while demand for Bangladeshi shrimp exists abroad, production remains limited due to traditional farming methods. He highlighted that without an increase in production, export growth will be hindered.

Dr. Ahmed pointed out that the government has restructured the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to create a favorable investment climate in the country. He encouraged private sector leaders to increase investment in this sector.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan; President of the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association, Kazi Belayet Hossain; Senior Vice President Ashraf Hossain Masud; and member Shyamal Das were present at the event were.

Association President Kazi Belayet Hossain noted that for over a decade, shrimp processing factories have been unable to operate at full capacity due to a shortage of raw materials, leading to a decline in exports. He explained that demand and prices for Bangladeshi shrimp and fish have decreased, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while domestic market prices have risen, further reducing export volumes.

The leaders requested that shrimp be classified as an agricultural product similar to jute, and called for the establishment of separate economic zones in Khulna and Chittagong for the shrimp industry. They also appealed for dedicated interest rates for shrimp export financing and the clearing of outstanding cash incentives.