The indication came as local exporters agreed with a visiting delegation from Vietnamese exporters to hold a meeting of Asian shrimp exporters in Bangkok in November to work out a common safeguard.

Major exporting countries include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Bangladesh.

A coalition of US-based shrimp producers has petitioned US authorities for anti-dumping measures to stop a shrimp-import surge, which could eventually come as a blow to Bangladesh's shrimp industry.

Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) accorded a reception to the visiting leaders of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) at a local hotel on Saturday, devising the encounter plan at the meet.

The 4-member delegation, led by VASEP vice secretary general Truong Dinh Hoe, arrived here from India for a 3-day visit to Bangladesh.

Their trip is part of a campaign against the US anti-dumping campaign and other international issues.

Several months ago, the US catfish industry had kicked off a similar anti-dumping campaign against their Vietnamese counterpart. The US catfish industry was able to convince the US Department of Commerce and anti-dumping regulators.

Truong told local exporters that the US authorities imposed 36-63% duties on the catfish exported from Vietnam, filing anti-dumping case that forced Vietnam to explore new markets in other regions.

The BFFEA President, Quazi Monirul Haq, said the Asian shrimp exporters should unite in their common interest amid threat from the US shrimp producers.

A press release said he sought technology support from Vietnamese shrimp industry for applying improved extensive international method of shrimp culture to increase output in Bangladesh.

The BFFEA and the VASEP have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) very soon for exchange of information, technology and for other bilateral interests.

VASEP leaders met with the officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and Directorate of Fisheries to exchange views on bilateral issues.

The alliance, however, initially targeted the group of countries that have 3 per cent or more of the market share in USA. These countries include Thailand, India, China, Vietnam, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Venezuela, and Guyana.