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