Belize Meets European Fisheries Safety Standards - 09/24/03 08:38 PM
Office of the Prime Minister
Belize Meets European Fisheries Safety Standards
23 September, 2003 - Belmopan
The European Union technical committee on food safety last week approved
the elevation of Belize to a list one country for fisheries exports
including aquaculture.
This new classification will allow Belizean fisheries exporters that are
certified by BAHA, to export fish and fisheries products with effect
from end October 2003, to any EU member state and thereby entering for
free circulation into all fifteen member states. The current list two
certification is cumbersome and costly as it only allows entry in a
single member state.
This timely development is of particular significance as the North
American market is becoming more competitive and Europe currently offers
better prices. In addition, with enlargement of the EU next year, the
number of countries open for exports will increase from fifteen to
twenty five.
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hon. Eamon Courtenay commented
on the development today. "Securing new and better markets for Belizean
export products is a priority of this Government. This success paves the
way for greater security in the fisheries sector, with better market
access we expect to see more investment and more jobs in this important
sector of our economy."
The Ministry wishes to acknowledge the excellent collaboration of the
Belize Agriculture Health Authority, The Embassy of Belize in Brussels
and The Belize Shrimp Growers Association for their efforts in Belize
achieving this significant market access breakthrough.
Belize Meets European Fisheries Safety Standards
23 September, 2003 - Belmopan
The European Union technical committee on food safety last week approved
the elevation of Belize to a list one country for fisheries exports
including aquaculture.
This new classification will allow Belizean fisheries exporters that are
certified by BAHA, to export fish and fisheries products with effect
from end October 2003, to any EU member state and thereby entering for
free circulation into all fifteen member states. The current list two
certification is cumbersome and costly as it only allows entry in a
single member state.
This timely development is of particular significance as the North
American market is becoming more competitive and Europe currently offers
better prices. In addition, with enlargement of the EU next year, the
number of countries open for exports will increase from fifteen to
twenty five.
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hon. Eamon Courtenay commented
on the development today. "Securing new and better markets for Belizean
export products is a priority of this Government. This success paves the
way for greater security in the fisheries sector, with better market
access we expect to see more investment and more jobs in this important
sector of our economy."
The Ministry wishes to acknowledge the excellent collaboration of the
Belize Agriculture Health Authority, The Embassy of Belize in Brussels
and The Belize Shrimp Growers Association for their efforts in Belize
achieving this significant market access breakthrough.