United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s shrimp industry, once a $500 million export engine but now earning less than $300 million, could scale up to $5 billion within five years with the right policy support, industry leaders say. An analysis of export data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows that in the 2015-16 fiscal year, the country earned $529 million from shrimp exports. Since then, exports have dropped sharply. While shrimp exports rose by 19 percent in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the figure is still far from the sector’s past heights. Addressing why this promising industry has faltered and whether the current upward trend signals a strong future, Professor Asif Wares Newaz of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Department of Fishing and Post-Harvest Technology said that the use of antibiotics against international standards, White Spot Disease in Bagda shrimp, and issues like jelly-pushing and using inappropriate antibiotics have negatively affected shrimp exports. “Even if exporters process shrimp properly, most farmers remain outside monitoring. Without monitoring disease detection, control measures, and proper drug use, regaining lost reputation will be challenging,” he explained. Asif added that Belgium once was a major market for Bangladeshi shrimp. That market is now dominated by India, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. India alone exports nearly $100 million worth of shrimp to this market, while Bangladesh’s share remains below $25 million. Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal Entrepreneurs believe Bangladesh has the potential to compete with India in shrimp exports. “India produces shrimp on 102,000 hectares of land. Bangladesh cultivates over 250,000 hectares. Yet India produces over one million metric tons of shrimp, while Bangladesh produces around 100,000 metric tons of Bagda shrimp,” said SK Kamrul Alam, vice president of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA). Kamrul noted that India’s lead is primarily due to its production of Vannamei (white leg) shrimp. Bangladesh received approval to produce Vannamei shrimp several years ago but has not yet started exports. He said leveraging Bangladesh’s shrimp farming land for Vannamei production could break records in exports. “Once Vannamei shrimp exports start, it will be possible to earn $5 billion solely from shrimp by 2030,” Kamrul added. Experimental Vannamei shrimp farming began in 2021 at the research center in Paikgacha, Khulna. The following year, eight companies received experimental cultivation permission, followed by approval for four more firms. Commercial production began last year. Businessmen cite bureaucratic delays as a major reason for the slow roll-out of Vannamei farming. They said an investment of 2–2.5 million Vannamei shrimp could yield sales worth BDT 4.5 million. “Per hectare, Bagda production is around 500 kg, while Vannamei yields 12–15 tons. Eighty percent of the world’s shrimp exports are Vannamei. Yet we are still stuck with Bagda shrimp. Bureaucratic hurdles delayed approval for almost a decade,” said Kamrul. 500 shrimp enclosures washed away after an embankment collapsed  in Satkhira Farmers, however, still face challenges obtaining permits for Vannamei shrimp farming. Farmers in Satkhira and Bagerhat said that special approval from the Department of Fisheries is required, which is a lengthy process, preventing them from taking advantage of this profitable crop. “Vannamei shrimp farming requires compliance with multiple guidelines. While it can yield 30–50 percent profit, high initial investment deters common farmers,” said Awal Haque, a shrimp farmer from Shyamnagar, Satkhira. Seafood manufacturers say they are ready to enter contract farming with shrimp farmers once Vannamei cultivation starts, which would reduce costs for farmers and ensure profits for companies. BFFEA Senior Vice President Tariqul Islam Zaheer emphasized that adequate preparation is essential before starting Vannamei shrimp exports. “Initial investment exceeds BDT 2 million. If farmers are not properly trained, starting Vannamei cultivation could backfire. Training is needed for pond preparation and shrimp rearing practices,” he said. Zaheer also highlighted old challenges in shrimp farming, noting that despite being a large sector, farmers have no insurance, and loans for shrimp farming do not enjoy special benefits. Even with low-interest loans available for other crops, fish farmers get no similar support. Subsidies in electricity for fish farming are also absent. Faced with these difficulties, many farmers are filling ponds and moving to land-based farming, causing the fading of the once-famous “white gold” shrimp legacy. “Although exports reportedly increased, the real picture is different. The rise largely reflects higher dollar prices, not actual export volumes,” Zaheer said. BFFEA members revealed that while around 100 companies are engaged in shrimp exports, 70 have shut down due to raw material shortages. Without government support, there are fears that the sector could collapse again. Read more: Chinese Ambassador expresses interest in importing hilsa from Bangladesh Experts also stress the need for further research on the genetics of Vannamei shrimp. Unlocking the genetic potential, as done with hilsa and jute, could enable Bangladesh to produce high-quality shrimp seedlings adapted to its climate, reducing reliance on harmful antibiotics. Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter, told UNB that while shrimp farming has potential, Bangladesh is yet to fully benefit. The ministry is observing how countries like Vietnam and India are succeeding and will soon introduce business-friendly measures for shrimp farming. “One cannot look only at the business side; climate and environmental factors also matter. In areas like Satkhira-Bagerhat, lands have been illegally acquired for shrimp farming, increasing salinity and reducing crop yields. Scientific decisions are needed,” she said. Farida added that low-interest loans are being arranged for fish farmers. Steps have been taken to free farmers from predatory lending and restrictive enclosures, and special emphasis is being placed on subsidised electricity. BFFEA has independently prepared a research report on measures to boost shrimp farming. They will soon present their findings to the government, believing that with support, Bangladesh can revolutionize shrimp exports and reclaim its “White Gold” legacy. Read more: Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal

Shrimp, once known as the ‘white gold’ of Bangladesh’s southwest and a major export from Khulna, has declined due to fierce global competition and the growth of vannamei shrimp farming in neighbouring countries. Now, after years of stagnation, the sector is showing signs of recovery as the Department of Fisheries has rolled out a series of measures aimed at restoring the industry’s lost luster, and the results are beginning to show. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), shrimp exports from Khulna over the last five years totalled Tk 11,300 crore. Authorities have now set an ambitious goal to double that figure within the next five years. Department of Fisheries data reveal that the region exported 1,53,388 metric tonnes of fish between FY2020 and FY2025, generating Tk 13,456 crore in revenue. Of this, shrimp accounted for 1,02,339.629 tonnes, bringing in Tk 11,301 crore. 500 shrimp enclosures washed away after an embankment collapsed  in Satkhira In FY2024-25 alone, Khulna produced 1,23,151.17 metric tonnes of shrimp, with 19,512 tonnes exported — earning Tk 2,499 crore. The shrimp export rate for the region during the year stood at 42.19%. To boost output, the Khulna office of the Department of Fisheries has adopted several strategic initiatives. These include advanced training in shrimp cultivation for 10,750 farmers, supplying equipment to 7,500 of them, and promoting cluster-based farming to help traditional farmers multiply their yields two- to fivefold. Demonstrations under ‘Field Days’ are motivating farmers, while biosecurity and hygiene measures are being enforced to ensure better quality. Officials are also encouraging farmers to pursue third-party certification for improved prices in international markets. Lipton Sardar, Divisional Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Officer in Khulna, stressed the need for long-term, shrimp-focused projects. “There needs to be a dedicated policy framework for shrimp, including zoning of shrimp farming areas, infrastructure development, timely supply of disease-free larvae and guaranteed access to quality feed,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of strict testing of fry, feed, medicines and chemicals, alongside the establishment of a separate staffing structure to oversee production and quality control in shrimp-rich districts. “Building institutional capacity to diagnose and treat shrimp diseases, while ensuring responsible practices among exporters, is essential to restore buyer confidence,” Sardar added. Tariqul Islam Zahir, Senior Vice President of the Frozen Foods Exporters Association, said the region once had 63 shrimp processing companies, but declining production and global market demand forced 33 to close. “Despite increased bank interest rates and rising electricity bills, some companies are still operating. The frozen shrimp sector is now beginning to recover,” he said, urging the government to provide subsidies for power and production costs. Exporters say shrimp remains vital to the national economy. However, falling demand and prices in Europe, coupled with irregular payments from foreign buyers, have hurt earnings. Viral outbreaks have further dented production, while the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and domestic political turbulence compounded challenges. Repeated shipment cancellations pushed many exporters to the brink of collapse. Yet a recent surge in exports has rekindled hope across the industry. Stakeholders in Khulna believe that, with continued policy support and improved production standards, the ‘white gold’ can reclaim its former glory and secure an even stronger foothold in the global seafood market. Read more: Khulna falls short of jute production target for lack of incentives

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed interest in importing 1000 metric tonnes of hilsa from Bangladesh. “There is a huge demand for Bangladeshi hilsa fish in China. Bangladesh has the opportunity to reduce the trade gap through hilsa export,” he said. The Chinese Ambassador shared this information at a meeting with the Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat on Thursday. The Chinese Ambassador also expressed eagerness to import mango, jackfruit and guava and increase investment in these sectors in Bangladesh. China could be one of Bangladesh’s best friends: Chinese Vice Minister During the meeting, they discussed ways to improve bilateral relations in detail and the increase in trade and investment. Mentioning that China is one of the major development partners and friends of Bangladesh, the Commerce Adviser said, “There is scope to strengthen bilateral relations by increasing investment.” He also urged for increasing Chinese investment in agriculture, transportation, agro-machinery and healthcare sectors in Bangladesh. BNP leaders, journalists among 21-member delegation off to China He called for increasing import of goods from Bangladesh and reducing all types of tariffs on imported goods to reduce the trade gap. The adviser said that setting up truck manufacturing factories and investment in modernisation of agriculture in Bangladesh will bring good results for the two countries. Besides, the Chinese ambassador said Chinese investors are interested to invest in Bangladesh and 30 Chinese companies have shown interest to invest in the Chittagong Economic Zone.    

Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) has contributed 29 percent of total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of the country in the fiscal year 2023-24. BEPZA Executive Chairman, Major General Abdul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman revealed this at a press conference at BEPZA Complex in the capital on Monday. He said BEPZA exported US $ 7.07 billion which is 16 percent of total 44.47 billion export income in FY 2023-24. Despite different challenges due to different global issues, BEPZA signed with 28 foreign companies to invest $568.49 million in Bangladesh, he added. A total of 38 countries invested in Export Processing Zones under BEPZA. Among these companies, 108 are Chinese, 61 South Korean, 29 Japanese, 19 Indian, 19 UK, US 17, 7 Sri Lankan. BEPZA member investment Md. Ashraful Kabir in a presentation highlighted achievement and future plans. Read: BEPZA signs deal with Chinese company to set up battery plates manufacturing industry He showed that in these EPZs 48 percent diversified products are being produced. Since the inception, BEPZA has deposited Tk 1215.94 crore in the treasury till December 2024. BEPZA members Engineer Md. Imtiaz Hossain, ANM Foyzul Haque and BEPZA Director public relations ASM Anwar pervez also spoke at the event.

Bhomra land port in Satkhira has posted impressive revenue of Tk 16.24 crore from the export of various products to India in the first half of fiscal year 2024-25, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The increasing exports through this land port have significantly contributed to the country's foreign exchange earnings, as revealed by an analysis of comparative data collected from the port's entry section. Sources said a total of 23 types of local products are currently being exported to India through the port. The products include yarn, waste, cleaning cloth, caps, jute yarn, polyester staple fiber, mustard oil, furniture, mosquito nets, polyester thread, fish nets, plastic bathroom fittings, handloom saris, lungis, clay products, unrefined sesame oil, cotton waste, travel bags, soy acid oil, readymade garments, toasts, juices, chips and lychees. In July 2024, the port earned Tk 2.34 crore, Tk 2.63 crore in August, Tk 2.77 crore in September, Tk 2.43 crore in October, Tk 3.15 crore in November and Tk 2.96 crore in December, totalling Tk 16.24 crore. Read: Sheola land port fails to meet revenue target Abu Musa, general secretary of the land port C&F Agents Association, said Bangladesh is benefiting from export opportunities, similar to other developing countries. He also said traders are increasingly opting for this port, resulting in a rise in both imports and exports, thereby boosting government revenue due to the proximity of the land port to Kolkata. Abul Kalam Azad, deputy commissioner of the land port, confirmed that the export trade with India has increased recently through the land port, resulting in bagging Tk 16.24 crore from the first half of the current fiscal year. Read more: Trade with India through 3 land ports suspended, uninterrupted at Benapole He said that the port has witnessed an export growth rate of 18.95% compared to other land ports in the country.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged the country’s business community and entrepreneurs to come forward to strengthen its export base with more investment in the services sector to boost overall exports to the competitive global market. “We need to enhance our exports. I urge all businesspeople to come forward to invest more in the services sector in addition to products to boost our exports,” he said while inaugurating the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2025 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal. Highlighting the importance of entrepreneurs’ role, Dr Yunus said developing an exportable product is important but it is more important to know who developed the product. The Chief Adviser said every year there is an initiative to announce a “Product of the Year” and this year furniture product is the product of the year. In addition to this process, Dr Yunus said, he wants to introduce “Entrepreneur of the Year” to let everyone know who is behind the product. The Chief Adviser highlighted the government’s initiative to promote Bangladesh’s products in the global market with its diversified presence. He said Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) has already secured a leading position in the global apparel market. Read: Month-long Dhaka International Trade Fair to open Wednesday Dr Yunus said the export trade is playing a significant role in cutting poverty and unemployment in addition to earning foreign currencies. “It’s playing an important role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy.” He formally inaugurated the month-long fair.  Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin was, among others, present. Like the previous years, the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) have jointly organised the fair. The spaces for stalls or pavilions of various categories have been allocated online for the first time in this trade fair. The e-ticketing system has also been arranged for the first time in the fair. Apart from this, BRTC's dedicated bus service would be available alongside Uber service at a special discount to facilitate the travel of buyers and visitors to and from the fair venue. Besides, "July Chattar" and "Chhatrish Chattar" were created at the fair venue in honor of the sacrifices of students in the anti-discrimination students' movement. A Youth Pavilion has also been set up to encourage the youth folk of the country in export trade. Initiatives have been taken this year to organize potential sector/product wise seminars at the fair. There will be separate sourcing corners, electronics and furniture zones for the convenience of foreign entrepreneurs and participants. Technology corner has been installed for the convenience of the age-based visitors while seating corner will be there for senior citizens. Read more: Dhaka Int’l trade fair begins Sunday There is also a children's park in the fair for ensuring pure entertainment. The trade fair is being held for the fourth time in a row at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. According to the layout plan of the fair, some 361 pavilions/stalls/restaurants of different categories have been allocated in favor of local producing and exporters firms, general business establishments and foreign business entities in a cent percent transparent manner.

Bangladesh exported goods worth US $4.12 billion in November of the current fiscal year 2024-25, marking a growth of 15.63 percent year-on-year. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) released the information at a press conference held at the EPB conference hall on Wednesday. According to the EPB’s provisional data, Bangladesh's exports amounted to $19.9 billion over the five months from July to November in FY 2024-25, reflecting a growth of 11.76 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year 2023-24. Bangladesh’s export earnings rebound from slump Among the export earnings, the agricultural sector saw a positive growth of 15.82 percent, while the manufacturing sector grew by 15.6 percent. Home textile exports surged by 20.74 percent, and exports of animal origin products (guts, bladders and stomachs) witnessed the highest growth, rising by 125.93 percent. But, leather and leather products exports experienced a slight decline of 0.35 percent among the major export categories. BB announces 10% incentive for exporting agro-processed products Speaking at the press conference, EPB Executive Chairman Anwar Hossain highlighted the resilience of the export sector. "Despite several challenges, the export sector achieved a growth of 15.63 percent in November and 11.62 percent in the July-November period. This indicates that the export sector has rebounded sharply," he said.  

The European Union's apparel imports saw a 3.63% decline from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a broader global trend of reduced apparel consumption. According to the latest data, total imports dropped from US$ 61.56 billion to US$ 59.32 billion. Bangladesh, one of the leading apparel suppliers to the EU, experienced a 3.53% decrease in exports, with the value of shipments falling to US$ 12.91 billion during this period, according to former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel. Chinese Textile & Apparel Industry delegation visits BEPZA This decline mirrors the overall drop in EU apparel demand but raises questions about shifting dynamics in global supply chains. China, the largest exporter to the EU, saw its apparel imports decrease by 4.10% to US$ 15.62 billion. Other key suppliers like Turkey and India also faced declines, with Turkey’s exports down by 7.52% to US$ 6.84 billion and India’s down by 2.73% to US$ 3.34 billion. Vietnam reported a 2.09% decrease, with exports totaling US$ 2.65 billion. USITC delegation meets BGMEA leaders, discuss Bangladesh's standing and competitiveness in global apparel market In contrast, some countries bucked the downward trend. Cambodia's exports to the EU surged by 12.78%, Pakistan saw a 7.3% increase, and Morocco experienced a 6.09% rise, signaling a potential shift in sourcing preferences within the global apparel market. These variations among key suppliers suggest nuanced changes in global apparel supply chains.

Bangladesh's export earnings in September increased by 6.78 percent despite workers’ unrest in garment sector.  According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Bangladesh's export earnings in September reached US $3.51 billion, a $220 million jump compared to the same period last year. EPB Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain said this at a press conference on monthly export earnings review at his office on Wednesday. He said they prepared the data based on real time shipments data as per NBR Asycuda world. Advisory Council approves draft 'Export Policy 2024-27' He said, "from now on we will come up with a detailed analysis of the export earnings every month." According to EPB data, in the first quarter - July to September- of the ongoing fiscal year, Bangladesh's export's earnings grew by 5.04 percent to reach $11.37, up from $10.82 billion in the same period of FY24.

For the first time, a consignment of bean produced in Chattogram’s Sitakunda upazila has been exported to Italy, raising hope among farmers of the upazila which is already famous for vegetable production. Farmers and agriculture officials said Sitakunda upazila is known for production of variety of vegetables including beans. Beans are seen on vast lands on both sides of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, on cropland, land alley, on both sides of the railway tracks, fallow land, embankments and even in hill slopes, they said. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming The beans produced here are usually supplied to different parts of the country and this is the first time that this bean has been exported to Italy. Farmers said that although raw beans are sold in winter, dry bean seeds are sold throughout the year. Upazila Agriculture Officer said Md Habibullah said the soil of Sitakunda is suitable for bean cultivation and bean cultivation is more profitable than Boro paddy. “As a result, bean has been cultivated on 2,650 hectares of land in this upazila. This year, 47,000 metric tons of beans worth over Tk 100 crore will be produced.” Read more: Youth's success in orange farming sparks an agricultural trend in Kurigram