BSFFand TFM sign deal in Bangkok for aquaculture technology, research
The Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) and Thai Union Feedmill Public Company Limited (TFM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen long-term collaboration on technology transfer, research and development initiatives to support sustainable aquaculture in Bangladesh, particularly in coastal areas.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Faiyaz Murshid Kazi. Syed Mahmudul Huq, chairman of BSFF, and Hathai Nantatong, director (representing the chief executive officer) of TFM, signed on behalf of their respective organisations.
Also present were sector representatives, embassy officials and other guests, including Dr Cherdsak Virapat, former director general of NACA and CIRDAP. Saroar Ahmed Saleheen, counsellor (economic) and alternate permanent representative, and Nayeem Rubaiyet, counsellor and head of chancery at the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok, also attended.
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The parties said the MoU builds on a partnership launched in 2021 and a pilot project implemented in 2023–2024. The collaboration will focus on sustainable farming practices for high-value species, including Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer), black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and mono-sex giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).
BSFF said Bangladesh's 710-km coastline and brackish-water areas offer scope for climate-resilient aquaculture, but require timely initiatives to address risks linked to sea level rise and saline water intrusion.
The partners said modern, feed-based farming of seabass could support coastal economic development and export diversification. They said the MoU will allow Bangladesh to benefit from Thailand's experience in seabass production, including improved hatchery techniques, the use of formulated feeds, biosecurity and eco-friendly practices.
According to BSFF, the 2023–2024 pilot at ATI Aqua Farm in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, supported by TFM, the Department of Fisheries, CIRDAP and Business Promotion Council funding, produced around 4.3 tonnes per acre with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.2.
Under the new MoU, BSFF and TFM said they will work with the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and private sector stakeholders on research and modernisation, including developing genetically suitable seabass strains, strengthening breeding facilities and hatchery capacity, and training skilled manpower across hatchery and grow-out operations.
In the first year, research activities will be carried out jointly by NIB and BSFF, the parties said. Demonstration pilots will also be implemented at two sites in Teknaf and Khulna. Breeding and hatchery initiatives will be planned for phased implementation over three years, alongside activities to improve value chains and market linkages in domestic and international markets.
