Qatar has lifted its temporary ban on imports of frozen seafood from India, paving the way for enhanced export and improved bilateral relations between the two countries.
The ban was imposed in November last year, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup, following alleged detection of Vibrio cholera from a few consignments from India.
Qatari authorities informed India that the ban was temporary and owing to lack of sufficient testing laboratories in their country in the run-up to the tournament.
The Department of Commerce under the Government of India, along with embassy of India in Qatar, had since sought to resolve the issue. Following discussions with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, it was announced on 16 February that the ban on frozen seafood would be lifted.
However, restrictions continue on exports of chilled seafood from India.
Speaking at the India International Seafood Show (IISS), held in Kolkota between 15-17 February 2023, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Chairman Shri D.V. Swamy said: “This week is proving to be very good for the seafood exporters in India, considering a similar lift in the suspension by China. We hope that the restrictions by Qatar on the chilled seafood will also be cleared soon after a reassessment of the situation.”
As reported by WF, on 14 February, Beijing lifted suspension of 99 Indian seafood processing exporters after acknowledging India’s assurance over source control.
