Speakers at a discussion on Tuesday night laid emphasis on the need for reviving bagda (black tiger) shrimp production to boost the export basket.
The local variety shrimp has potential in global market because of its unique tastes. It is needed to ensure global standard to tap opportunities, they say.
Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation hosted the event with partner organisations on 'Positioning Bangladesh Black Tiger Shrimp as Premium Natural Tiger Shrimp in the International Market' at a city hotel.
The speakers suggest the use of improved and extensive method in black tiger cultivation for a good result.
Black tiger is in demand in global chain marketplaces like Walmart for its size, taste and colour, says Syed Mahmudul Huq, chairman of the foundation.
The retailers are willing to import premium-quality shrimp at premium prices, he adds.
"We're trying to position Bangladesh's black tiger as a premium brand shrimp on the international market and we're working for this," states Mr Huq.
Shrimp farmers and exporters have also sought a 20-per cent cash incentive to protect their interests.
As an agri-product, they say, the shrimp sector should be given a 20-per cent incentive like other sectors.
Currently, frozen shrimp exporters receive a 10-per cent cash subsidy on their earnings.
Dr George Chamberlain, president at the Global Seafood Alliance and The Centre for Responsible Seafood, made a keynote presentation there.
Fisheries and livestock secretary Dr Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) vice-chairman and CEO AHM Ahsan, among others, spoke.
However, local shrimp exporters are facing a crisis of raw materials. So, they cannot compete in the global market properly.
Bangladesh exports only 2.0 per cent of the international demand for frozen shrimp, disclose the findings of the foundation.
Available EPB data shows the country earned $361 million from shrimp export in fiscal year (FY) 2018-19, $332 million in FY 2020 and $320 million in FY 2021.
Bangladesh once boasted 110 frozen-fish factories occupying the second position among the total export-oriented sectors even a decade ago.But the number has now come down to as low as 30 to 40.
