Overcoming the SPS concerns of the Bangladesh fisheries and aquaculture sector: From compliance to engagement
Journal of International Trade Law and Policy
ISSN: 1477-0024
Article publication date: 19 June 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges developing countries face in attempting to balance sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) health and safety measures against concerns about protectionism, illustrated by the impact of trade barriers on the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Bangladesh. The paper then provides recommendations to overcome the effects of these trade barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
The author uses a close doctrinal approach for the first three parts of the paper by analysing the provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) SPS Agreement and the effect of those provisions in creating domestic compliance gaps in the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector. A qualitative approach is then adopted in suggesting potential reforms and future directions to assist the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector overcome SPS trade barrier issues.
Findings
To overcome the market access issues created by SPS trade barriers, Bangladesh and other developing countries require multilateral assistance, accommodation by trading partners and internal reforms. This includes reforming internal governance structures, improving trade participation and negotiation, increasing infrastructure investment and learning from similar countries who have improved their supply chain management.
Research limitations/implications
This paper will have significant implications by contributing to law and policy reform debates involving international trade law and domestic compliance gaps. It will also assist other developing countries that experience SPS trade barriers to learn from the experience of the Bangladeshi fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Practical implications
This paper has practical implications by providing recommendations for how Bangladesh can overcome SPS trade barriers and improve its market access. This will help Bangladesh integrate into the global trading system by enhancing its participation in the SPS framework.
Social implications
By addressing and providing recommendations for the SPS trade barrier challenges faced by Bangladesh fishery and aquaculture sector, this paper provides a framework to improve the economic development and global competitiveness of the industry. This will contribute the gross domestic product growth and help increase the overall living standards of the people involved in the fisheries and aquaculture business in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This paper is an original work that has not been published elsewhere. It is the first time a paper has dealt with the legal, policy and compliance challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Bangladesh.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is a result of research carried out in connection with the Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship Program, Rounds 12 and 14, administered by AusAID (now part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government). The authors gratefully acknowledge the insights provided by the Fellows who participated in both programmes. All views and opinions expressed in this paper remain those of the authors.
Citation
Alam, S. and Tomossy, G.F. (2017), "Overcoming the SPS concerns of the Bangladesh fisheries and aquaculture sector: From compliance to engagement", Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 70-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/JITLP-01-2017-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited