Guyana certified for fish exports to Europe
Stabroek News
January 23, 2004
In what is seen as a major boost to the sector, the European Union (EU) has certified Guyana for the export of fish products.
The formal document will be handed over today by the EU to the government.
Certification comes at a difficult period for Guyana's fishing industry which is faced with losses on shrimp exports, a high cost of production and possible US anti-dumping duties.
An official at the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock noted however that only one company involved in the fisheries sector is now in a position to take immediate advantage of Guyana's certification. "It is the only company certified locally by the Veterinary Public Health Department in the Ministry of Health."
The official said further that the negotiations for certification have been ongoing for two years and have now resulted in the creation of an alternative market.
Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh, confirming these reports, said, "Europe is a strict market in terms of standards but we do have investors who are ready to export to Europe. However it is no secret that the only house certified for export right now is Noble House Seafoods."
Pritipaul Singh owner of Pritipaul Singh Investments (PSI) said, "I welcome the certification since it would open up some markets. It will take some time for me to be ready for export.
This would involve creating the market, waiting for customers to adapt to the new product and also adapting production methods to suit that market."
B.M. Enterprise's Marketing Assistant Leonard Faerber noted that they are ready and prepared to take advantage of the development.