ASEAN shrimp exporters to set up certification body
The ASEAN Shrimp Alliance (ASA) is working to set up a regional
certification body to oversee the quality and standards of shrimp produced for
export in member countries.
The move is expected to help mitigate pressure from importing countries with strict
standards on shrimp and other seafood from members of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Some importing countries have imposed restrictive standards not only to protect
consumers but also for economic purposes, according to Somying Piumsombun,
director-general of the Thai Fisheries Department.
However, the Thai official admitted that the establishment of the ASEAN
certification body may not happen any time soon. Results from this week’s ASA
meeting in
Formed in 2007, ASA is made up of ASEAN members, especially major shrimp
producing and exporting countries such as
These
countries have played a significant role in