Business leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) are advocating for enhanced policy support and infrastructure development to leverage the vast potential of the country’s fishery sector. The recent meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Fisheries Sector underscored the urgent need to capitalize on opportunities in exporting shrimp, crab, freshwater fish, marine fish, and other aquatic products.

Urgent Need for Policy Support

During the meeting held at the Motijheel office, FBCCI officials emphasized the necessity of government backing, including the establishment of dedicated economic zones tailored for the fisheries industry. They stressed that neighboring countries have successfully harnessed similar opportunities and that Bangladesh should not lag behind.

Traders highlighted the immense opportunity for foreign exchange earnings through the export of seafood products like shrimp, crab, and other fish. However, they also pointed out the shrinking availability of space required for fish farming, which poses a challenge to meeting escalating demand.

Boosting Production Through Economic Zones

The proposal for establishing two economic zones exclusively for fish farming was discussed as a strategic move to bolster production and supply, both domestically and internationally. The implementation of modern aquaculture methods, such as cage culture systems in rivers, was suggested to optimize production output.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, who participated virtually in the meeting, recalled Bangladesh’s past success in earning foreign currency through exports of tea, leather, and fish. He emphasized the need to revitalize the declining fisheries sector and sought recommendations from stakeholders to chart a path forward for its development.

Unity for Progress

Senior FBCCI Vice President Md. Amin Helaly urged collective action from businesses to drive growth in the fisheries sector. Collaboration and concerted efforts, he emphasized, are pivotal in harnessing the full potential of Bangladesh’s fisheries industry.