President Ali seeking to have catfish export restriction to the US removed

-US Secretary of State committed to having matter reviewed

The Guyana Government is seeking the removal of a three-year-old restriction on the export of catfish to the US.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali today said it was among the issues discussed with US Secretary of State, Mr. Michael Pompeo, who is visiting Guyana as part of a three-day South America tour. 

“I raised with Secretary Pompeo – the need to revisit the current export restriction on wild-caught catfish, a product which is a great demand in the Guyanese diaspora,” President Ali told a press conference he shared with the top US diplomat at State House. 

The Head of State spoke of the importance of removing the restriction, saying “this market is very important, not only for export earning but also for the sustenance of the livelihood of the fishing communities.”

Secretary Pompeo said efforts would be made to have the restriction reviewed as the two governments are working to increase trade and foreign direct investment.

“One great thing is that we are getting the information needed. We will work with you. We will put it through the US regulatory process and the WTO review process, and I am confident we can get a good outcome,” Mr. Pompeo said. 

Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, in late August, said the resumption of catfish export to the US was a priority for the government since it would help generate much-needed revenue for fisherfolk.