Qatar has lifted its temporary ban on seafood import from Bangladesh.
The ban was part of multiple precautions taken during the last FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, sources said.
However, export activity resumed on February 22 only for frozen seafood like fish, shrimp, squid, mussel and oyster.
But ban still stays on the export of chilled seafood and a decision will be made on the issue as early as possible after a reassessment.
Chilling is for short-term storage of seafood (up to one month for some species) while freezing is for long-term storage (a year or more).
The ban was imposed following a domestic quality check, initiated by the Qatar government ahead of the sporting extravaganza, according to a source.
Sector insiders said Bangladesh has faced a huge loss due to the suspension of various seafood shipments to the key market for the past couples of months.
It was a great opportunity to export a large quantity of such foods there on the occasion of the world cup.
Bangladesh along with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Myanmar will be able to resume seafood export.
In fiscal year (FY) 2021-22, Dhaka exported 1,700 tonnes of fish and kindred items to Doha in 695 consignments, said an official of fisheries and livestock ministry.
Currently, the inspectors concerned check fish processing factories according to the Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Rules-1997 (amendments 2008, 2014 and 2017).
In exporting fish-related products, the authorities concerned follow the fisheries official protocol.
Besides, necessary quality control and issuance of certificates are done as per rules.
The country's export of frozen fish items to Qatar is increasing.
Bangladesh exported different products worth $42.3 million to Qatar in FY 2021-22, of which $2.31 million came from the fisheries sector.
