After a temporary ban on frozen seafood imports from India, Qatar has lifted the restriction, signaling positive developments in bilateral relations between the two countries. The move is expected to boost export opportunities for Indian seafood in the West Asian country. The ban had been in place due to the detection of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae in one of the consignments imported from India. However, India had addressed the issue and provided the necessary assurances to Qatar, leading to the lifting of the ban.
The announcement comes on the heels of another positive development in India’s seafood industry. On February 14, Beijing lifted the suspension of 99 Indian seafood-processing exporters, following India’s assurance over source control. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and other agencies played a vital role in getting the suspension lifted on a total of 110 units since December 2020.
“This week is proving to be very good for the seafood exporters in India, considering a similar lift in the suspension by China. We hope that the restrictions by Qatar on the chilled seafood will also be cleared soon after a reassessment of the situation,” said MPEDA Chairman Shri D.V. Swami, who is in the city in connection with the February 15-17 India International Seafood Show.
“The lift on the suspension of the 99 seafood processing units was done on February 14 and is expected to raise India’s export of marine products by 5 per cent to 10 per cent in the next financial year. The suspension of 11 units was revoked earlier,” MPEDA chairman D V Swamy said.
The lifting of these bans is a significant boost to India’s seafood industry, which has been hit hard due to various restrictions on imports in recent years. With the resumption of exports to Qatar and China, Indian seafood exporters can explore new markets and improve their revenue streams.
“This week is proving to be very good for the seafood exporters in India, considering a similar lifting of suspension by China. We hope that the restrictions by Qatar on the chilled seafood will also be cleared soon after a reassessment of the situation,” said MPEDA Chairman DV Swami, who is in the city in connection with the February 15-17 India International Seafood Show.
MPEDA Chairman K.S. Srinivas highlighted the importance of such developments, stating that the seafood industry is a crucial contributor to India’s exports and economy. He also emphasized that the industry is committed to maintaining high standards and ensuring the quality and safety of Indian seafood products.
India’s seafood industry has been growing steadily in recent years, with exports reaching a value of $7.08 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21. With the lifting of these bans, the industry is expected to see further growth and expansion into new markets.
