The Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) has urged the government to raise the US dollar exchange rate for processed frozen shrimp and fish exports from Tk 118.90 to Tk 125.50. In a letter to the finance ministry, BFFEA highlighted challenges such as high interest rates, rising utility costs, and inadequate ancillary services impacting exporters. They argued that increasing the exchange rate would help sustain export-oriented businesses, boost export earnings, and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

Source: FE REPORT

Malaysia plans to establish a cold storage air freight hub in Sabah to boost seafood exports to Greater China, aiming to strengthen trade ties with its largest trading partner. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced this initiative during the Malaysia-China Summit, emphasizing Sabah’s potential as a significant seafood exporter.

The hub in Kota Kinabalu will enhance cold chain cargo capabilities for faster access to China, aligning with Malaysia's broader strategy to position itself as a trade gateway for ASEAN. This plan includes developing multiple aviation cargo hubs across the country.

Source: Malay Mail

Indonesia: A recent workshop in Bali, organized by Dialogue Earth and China Blue, brought together Indonesian and Chinese fishing communities and NGOs to discuss issues such as climate change, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Highlighted during the meeting on the differences and similarities, China, traditionally agrarian, has the world's largest fishing fleet with millions of small-scale fishers, while Indonesia, an archipelago of around 17,000 islands, with an estimation of 2.5 million small-scale fishing households. Both nations face challenges in defining small-scale fisheries, with China focusing on boat size and Indonesia on boat weight.

Source: https://www.eco-business.com/news/small-scale-fishers-of-indonesia-and-china-face-similar-issues/