The Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters' Association (BFVAPEA) reports a significant shift in the destination of agricultural exports over the past decade. While 49% of exports target the Middle East, Europe's share has declined to 32%, with Asia receiving 15% and other regions including Canada accounting for the remaining 4%. This marks a notable change from the fiscal year 2013-14, where Europe was the primary destination for 54.8% of exports, compared to 30.7% for the Middle East. The value of agricultural exports has seen a decline from $225.85 million to $74.93 million, alongside a reduction in volume from 128,000 tons to 55,000 tons.
Despite the decrease, BFVAPEA highlights the potential for Bangladesh to enhance its agricultural exports, with an estimated capacity to ship over 1.9 million tons by 2030. However, achieving this goal requires significant improvements in Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), product traceability, investment in packing facilities, adherence to international certification standards, and the development of cold chain logistics. The association emphasizes the necessity of government and private sector collaboration to overcome current limitations, such as the inability to extend product shelf life and meet bacteria-free standards, which hampers sea exports and access to new markets. Additionally, logistical challenges at airports and delays in export proceeds further constrain the sector's growth potential.
BFVAPEA Advisor Md Monjurul Islam underscores the importance of learning from past experiences, such as overcoming the UK's ban on betel leaf exports, to improve GAP adherence across all agricultural products. This, he believes, is crucial for securing a stronger position in the global export market.
Source: tbsnews.net