Published 19 Aug,2020 via The Financial Express - A move is underway to introduce a certification system in the name of 'health certificate' for export of some food consignments especially halal food items to meet the demand of importers of such Bangladeshi products, sources said.
The commerce ministry is now working to devise necessary strategies in this regard. It already held its first meeting with the officials concerned. The ministry will sit again with its officials shortly.
"We are trying to know the system of different countries about the matter. There are such authorities in Australia and neighbouring India," a high official who is dealing with the issue told the FE on Sunday last.
A good number of importers or importer countries seek such certificates with different food consignments which are exported from Bangladesh. The new certification process will be introduced aiming to meet the demand of the importers who import such products from Bangladesh, he added.
Currently, several state entities including Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution and Department of Agricultural Extension issue such quality certificates against export consignments of some proceeded foods, spice items, fruits, vegetables, and other items, he also said.
Another official concerned said some importers of Bangladeshi products cannot rely or trust on the certificated copy issued by the authorities concerned.
Despite having a good potential, Bangladesh is yet to enter the markets of different Muslim countries including United Arab Emirates and other gulf countries with its halal food, meat and beverage items, sector insiders said.
The traders/entrepreneurs concerned have been frequently urging the government to provide required policy supports, including providing with universal halal certificate for grabbing a portion of the markets, they added.
A good number of local companies are engaged with exporting safe, and halal meat to some gulf states and Middle Eastern countries.
Halal food is considered the most diverse sector of the Islamic countries.
The global halal FandB industry will grow to nearly US$1.9 trillion by 2021, and more countries are joining the bandwagon, according to sources.
Presently, India has an institution named Export Inspection Council to handle the issue. "We will gather experience from the council," the high official mentioned.
Copyright © 2020 International Publications Limited. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Source: https://www.salaamgateway.com/story/bangladesh-move-underway-to-introduce-export-certification-system
