Ornamental fish exporters highlight challenges and reforms at EDB Advisory Committee

Friday, 27 October 2023 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Meeting focuses on addressing obstacles faced by stakeholders, devising strategies to boost industry
Exporters point to competitive freight rates from other countries affecting Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish exports to EU, US markets
Insists urgent reforms in importation conditions, import bans, regulations on tissue-cultured plants, Department of Forest’s restrictions on exporting exotic species
Claims delay in obtaining fresh animal quarantine reports within 48 hours, impact timely customer updates, especially during extended weekends

In a recent meeting with the Export Development Board (EDB) Ornamental Advisory Committee, stakeholders highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive reforms across various aspects of ornamental fish exports to reach the industry’s full potential.

Chaired by Ornamental Fish Advisory Committee Chairman Sathyendra Wijayapura, the consultation was attended by EDB Chairman and CEO Dr. Kingsley Bernard, as well as industry leaders from the Tropical Ornamental Fish Association. This gathering aimed to directly address the obstacles faced by stakeholders and strategise ways to enhance the industry.

The industry stakeholders voiced their concerns about competitive freight rates offered by other countries, potentially impacting Sri Lanka’s exports of ornamental fish to European and US markets.

The ornamental fish exporters also stressed the urgent need for reforms in importation conditions, import bans, regulations on tissue-cultured plants and the Department of Forest’s restrictions on exporting exotic species.

One of the major issues raised was the delay in obtaining fresh animal quarantine reports within a 48-hour timeframe. They pointed out that this delay not only hinders timely customer updates but also affects operations, especially during extended weekends.

During the first nine months, Sri Lanka exported $ 19.44 million worth ornamental fish recording a year-on-year growth of 25% compared to the same period last year.

The EDB Chairman conveyed an optimistic tone and expressed a strong commitment to resolve the industry’s issues with the assistance of the relevant Government agencies, and discussions during the meeting delved into the key challenges faced by the ornamental fish sector.

The EDB is actively engaged in conducting webinars and awareness sessions with the support of foreign missions, to establish connections with clients in overseas markets and drive growth in the industry.

The Advisory Committee noted that efforts are underway to work collaboratively with stakeholders, regulatory bodies and industry champions to navigate these challenges and pave the way for a thriving ornamental fish export sector in Sri Lanka. The facilitation of the growth of Sri Lanka’s export sector remains the overarching objective of the EDB Advisory Committees.

The officials of the EDB Export Agriculture division were present at the meeting, symbolising the collaborative efforts and the commitment of various sectors to drive positive change in the ornamental fish industry.