EU denies request for extension of deadline

The European Union (EU) has denied Suriname’s request for an extension of the deadline regarding the new rules for the import of fresh produce from developing countries. Agriculture, Stockbreeding and Fisheries Minister Rabin Parmessar on December sent a note to the EU, requesting an extension of 6 months so that Suriname could make preparations aimed at meeting the new rules of the EU. The EU pointed out that it could not grant an extension as there is no legal basis for that. This means that the export of bitter gourd to EU remains prohibited. Bernard van Goethem, the EU’s representative in Brussels, responded to the letter from Suriname. Besides requesting an extension, Suriname also requested more information on the technical file on bitter gourd. Goethem pointed out that Suriname’s letter has been received and that it has been sent to the agency in charge of processing such requests. “The EU makes the rules and determines what is or is not allowed but we looked for alternatives and innovative ways of getting our bitter gourd on the European market without violating the rules of the EU”, said Minister Parmessar. Ajay Mataw’s A Mataw Impex on December 18 started exporting frozen (quickfreezing 20°C) cut and packed bitter gourd to the Netherlands. This Surinamese company has found an alternative to meet the demand of bitter gourd in the Netherlands. The entrepreneur has urged other exporters to deliver bitter gourd to his company. “This way they can still sell their product”, said Parmessar in a press release from the ministry.