Bangladesh’s reputation as a vegetable exporter is suffering, due to a lack of health regulations affecting exports.
The presence of pests and harmful organisms in vegetables, and local exporters’ presentation of fake phyto-sanitary certificates are tainting the country’s image as a vegetable exporter. Overseas buyers often impose bans on vegetable exports from Bangladesh.
A recent study – Export Readiness of Vegetables Sector of Bangladesh – by Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) highlighted the necessity of maintaining sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures and quality standards of vegetables.
Poor standard testing facilities, out of date infrastructure and various constraints at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and other ports are severely affecting the export of vegetables from Bangladesh, it added.
According to sector insiders, the country’s vegetable exports have declined substantially over the last couple of years, although vegetable production has increased considerably.