The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Thai Union Group Public Company Limited have signed a USD 150 million blue loan to support sustainable shrimp production in Thailand. Blue finance focuses on the responsible use and preservation of water resources, including oceans, rivers, and marine ecosystems.
The financing package includes USD 50 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a USD 100 million syndicated loan from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, HSBC, MUFG Bank, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and United Overseas Bank. The arrangement highlights ADB’s role in mobilizing private funds for sustainable shrimp production. Thai Union will use the funds for procurement, processing, and exports of certified sustainable shrimp, as well as operational costs for extension services such as training, certification support, research, and pilot projects. A technical assistance grant will provide farmers with training on resilience and financial literacy.
Shrimp is considered sustainable when certified under the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative, including the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or Best Aquaculture Practices, or sourced from credible improvement projects. In 2023, only 11.5% of shrimp globally met these standards. Thai Union works with farmers to improve farming practices and strengthen resilience to disease and climate risks.
The blue loan was developed under Thai Union’s Blue and Green Finance Framework, which received a second-party opinion from DNV Thailand in line with international principles. This loan is ADB’s first private sector financing for Thailand’s agribusiness sector and aims to enhance sustainability and supply chain resilience in shrimp production.
(Source: Asian Development Bank)
