Fish exporters want restart of providing cash assistance and removal of ban on hilsa fish export as foreign currency earnings from the sector slumped by 35%.
According to an annual figure provided by Non-packer Frozen Foods Exporters Association, the volume dropped to Tk450 crore from Tk700 crore. The comparison was between March-February periods in last two years.
It marks an annual decline of Tk250 crore in foreign currency earnings from fish exports.
“Fish exports have been badly affected because of suspension of cash assistance and ban on hilsa export,” said Babul Akhter, president of the port-city based association. He said the opportunity is being taken over by the neighbouring countries like Thailand, Myanmar and India.
“These countries are grabbing the international market share of Bangladeshi fishes as they receive cash help from their governments.”
In a circular issued on July 7, 2013, Bangladesh Bank suspended cash assistance on fish exports, except for shrimp, while the commerce ministry banned hilsa export on July 31, 2012 to ensure sufficient supply to local market. The association said the shrimp sector receives 12% cash facility on export.
Bangladesh exports fishes to different destinations including Middle East, European Union, Canada, the USA, Singapore and Korea.
Babul Akhter urged the government to lift ban on hilsa export and restart providing cash help to the sector. “Cash help and no ban on hilsa export will help significantly increase the export volume.”
