Kolkata: Qatar government lifted its temporary ban on the import of frozen seafood from India, paving the way for enhanced export and improved bilateral relations with the West Asian country.

The ban was put into place in November of last year, just before the FIFA World Cup, in response to reports that Vibrio cholera may have been found in a few shipments coming from India. Prior to the football event, the Qatari government had assured India that the restriction was only temporary and was caused by a shortage of testing facilities in that nation.

Since then, the Indian government's department of commerce and the Indian embassy in Qatar have been working nonstop to find a solution. The statement on February 16 easing the prohibition on frozen fish was the result of consultations with Qatar's Ministry of Public Health. However there are still limitations on the export of chilled fish.

The Indian seafood exporters are having a great week, especially in light of China's decision to lift its own moratorium. In connection with the February 15–17 India International Seafood Expo, MPEDA Chairman D.V. Swamy remarked, "We expect that the limitations by Qatar on the chilled seafood would also be lifted soon following a reconsideration of the situation.

Beijing removed the ban on 99 Indian companies that process seafood earlier this week on February 14 after acknowledging India's assurances regarding source control. China has suspended a total of 110 units since December 2020, but MPEDA and other organisations were instrumental in getting the ban reversed.

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