ABSTRACT

Shrimp is the second large export item from Bangladesh after ready made garments. It is a major source of employment and income for a large number of people who depend on fishing for their livelihoods. With the increasing share of shrimp in the export sector it is necessary to maintain the quality of the exported item through appropriate quality control measures since the importing countries are becoming stringent on quality standards.

The present study on fish trade liberalisation examines the impacts of Sanitary and PhytoSanitary (SPS) measures and eco-labelling on shrimp exports from Bangladesh. On the basis of both primary and secondary information the study has analysed the possible effects of trade liberalisation on the people who are involved in the entire production and export chain of the industry. The study maps the export chain of shrimp production in Bangladesh to show the role of various stakeholders in the sector. It also ranks the participants in the chain according to their poverty status and describes their economic condition. The study makes policy recommendations as regards the improvement of the sector in general and of the livelihoods of the poor fishermen in particular.