European Union Eases Control Restrictions On Indonesian Aquaculture Products

Jakarta, Nov 10 (Antara) - The European Union (EU) eased its control restrictions on Indonesian aquaculture products as a result of improvements in the safety standards for exports. "Indonesia and the EU worked together to ensure that the safety standards for the exports of aquaculture products can be met," Director of Fish and Environment Health, Directorate General of Aquaculture, Maskur stated here on Monday. He emphasized that continued assistance provided through the Trade Support Program (TSP) could help to strengthen the National Residue Monitoring Plan (NRMP). Moreover, it would definitely contribute to the EU`s decision to ease restrictions on Indonesian aquaculture products. He pointed out that shrimp aquaculture was the most important product of Indonesia, and shrimp exports constituted one-tenth of the nation`s exports. To facilitate the export of aquaculture products to the EU, the TSP II provided training to the laboratory staff and disseminated information regarding the EU regulations. "In the recent years, the EU has implemented import testing to monitor health threats," he noted. But, with sound cooperation and the implementation of the NRMP, the EU has reduced supervision on Indonesian aquaculture products.