Imported shrimp ban extension applauded

INDONESIA - The Indonesian Association of Fishery Businessmen (Gappindo) has warmly welcomed the government`s decision to extend a ban on imported shrimp which is to expire on December 28.

"We greatly support the government`s decision to extend the ban on imported shrimp. The move is very good because it will encourage domestic fish farming production," the association`s deputy director, Johannes Kitono said on Tuesday.

The government decided to extend the ban on imported shrimp following a meeting between the Trade Ministry, the Marine and Fishery Ministry and stakeholders recently.

The decision will be valid in six months.

This is for the second time for the government to extend the ban since it was introduced in 2004 under a joint decree of the trade minister and the marine and fishery minister.

The ban is meant to prevent the entry of contaminated shrimp into the domestic market.

Source: Antara News