Bangladesh Trade Facilitation Project (BTF) is a five-year USDA-funded project, that supports the Government of Bangladesh to expand regional and international trade in agricultural goods and to address systemic constraints to agricultural trade at Bangladeshi ports by simplifying and automating import and export processes; improving the capacity of government agencies, laboratories, and warehouses; and by fostering private and public investment, especially in cold storage. BTF’s activities will help Bangladesh meet its World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) Schedule C measures 5.3: Test Procedures; 7.4: Risk Management; 7.9: Perishable Goods; and 10.1: Formalities.

BTF is introducing and strengthening a Risk Management (RM) protocols and system and supporting the Government of Bangladesh to enhance value and volume of agricultural and food exports from Bangladesh. The objective is to establish RM systems for five relevant regulatory agencies of Bangladesh [Plant Quarantine Wing (PQW) of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC)] that are responsible for international trade in agricultural goods (plant, animal, and fish and other products originated from those) and food items; engaging IT specialists for design and implementation of relevant software interfaces; establishing or strengthening RM units within the agencies; advising and coordinating with the agencies to ensure synchronization and harmonization of project-supported RM systems with existing RM systems and infrastructure among the Customs Computer System (ASYCUDA World) and the Bangladesh Single Window (BSW); overseeing the development or revision of the legal framework and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure smooth implementation of RM systems; building capacity of the agencies to institute RM systems and engaging private sector in cross-border risk-based compliance management.

BTF is also undertaking activities to promote exports to diversify and enhance the value and volume of trade. For example BTF is developing a database of importing country compliance requirements, building capacities to conduct pest risk assessments, and automating contract-farming and traceability reporting procedures for selected agricultural products.

The objective of the advisory services is to develop the capacity of DoF to introduce and implement Risk Management compliance measures for live freshwater fish, fish products, and aquaculture feed. In addition, specialized advisory services will enhance the capacity of DoF and to support the fisheries industry to export non-traditional products. International consultants will work closely with the BTF RM Technical Team and other local and international experts to develop holistic capacity of the DoF in export promotion and cross-border trade RM for fish and fish products.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in cross-border trade SPS requirements and processes.
• Experience in fisheries trade and related compliance issues in different countries.
• Deep expertise in the following areas: World Trade Organization (WTO) TFA and World Customs Organization (WCO) Risk Management requirements; Measures and Standards; and Cross Border Trading Process.
• Working experience in marine and fresh-water fish and fish products; fish quarantine; cross-border trade (import and export) of fish and fish products covering three major modes, i. e., sea, air (including express cargo) and land; sanitary risk-based compliance management; fish diseases; risk treatment; sanitary measures; permit issuance: and certifications standards.
• Deep expertise on WTO SPS agreement, TBT agreement, WOAH principles and application including Aquatic code and Aquatic manual, other international sanitary agreements, conventions, protocols, and standards, related EC regulations, Good Aqua-cultural Practices, hazard and hazard analysis, sanitary measures, etc.
• Working experience on cross-border trade fish and fish quarantine risk-based compliance in the South Asian countries will be an added asset.

• Work will require travel to Bangladesh as well as providing technical advice and inputs remotely.
• Facilitate sessions related to fish and fish products risk management in cross-border trade context in the Training with the Department of Fisheries (DoF).
• Guide DoF as well as the local Fisheries Consultant to develop risk criteria, indicators, and profiles related to live, chilled, frozen, etc. fish (marine and freshwater), fish products and fish feed.
• Guide DoF to develop risk profiles and selectivity criteria and functionality for RM automated System (RMS) related to live, chilled, frozen, etc. fish (marine and freshwater), fish products and fish feed.
• Develop risk management SOPs and other operational guidelines for DoF incorporating provisions of risk-based physical inspection and sample collection instead of existing 100% physical inspection and sample collection.
• Support development of training curriculum materials on RM related to live, chilled, frozen, etc. fish (marine and freshwater), fish products and fish feed for DoF.
• Provide other specified technical assistance for implementation of risk management systems and procedures, including updating of risk parameters (criteria, indicators, and profiles) and guidance and input on the procurement of information technology services to develop and implement a data management system.
• Develop plans to promote non-traditional fisheries export to potential markets from Bangladesh.
• Work with private sector companies and trade associations in the fisheries industry to develop and enhance the capacity of Bangladeshi exporters to meet targeted importing countries’ quality and compliance requirements.