E-certification and laboratory management systems have been introduced to facilitate the export and import of fish and fish products.
The system was launched at a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday with the technical support of the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project, funded by the Department of Fisheries and the United States Department of Agriculture, read a press release on Wednesday.
An official of the Department of Fisheries said, “Through this system, 20 licenses and certificates will be issued automatically.”
“As a result, the procedures and processes of quality control laboratories of the Department of Fisheries will accelerate.”
Besides, food quality and safety will be ensured. This initiative will play a groundbreaking role in reducing costs and increasing transparency and speed in the domestic and international trade of fish and fish products.
While speaking as the chief guest at the event, Fisheries and Livestock Minister S M Rezaul Karim said, “E-certification is the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Smart Bangladesh.”
“The fisheries sector of the country is very important. A large part of the food demand is met in this sector. Fish contains a portion of the nutrients needed to meet human nutritional needs and boost immunity.”
The minister added that foreign exchanges earned by exporting fish and fish products play an important role in the development of the country. It also develops our relationship with other countries.
“The smart system of e-certification will be very helpful for us to properly meet the needs of the countries with which we have fish import and export ties. Through this, it will be possible to prevent wastage of time as well as ensure quality by providing hassle-free service within moments,” The minister also said.
Directorate General of Fisheries Khandkar Mahbubul Haque presided over the program and Nahid Rashid, the secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock was the special guest.
Sarah Gileski, agricultural attaché of the US Embassy in Bangladesh was present as the guest of honor. The program was co-chaired by USDA-funded Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project Director Michael J Pass.
