VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese seafood exporters have released that Spain and Portugal have refused to import Vietnam-sourced swordfish and tuna.
Immediately after hearing the decision, relevant agencies had a working session with EU officials about the issue.
The EU is a member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) which was set up in June 2004 and must, therefore, obey the commission’s regulations. Said regulations stipulate WCPFC members can only import fish caught within areas managed by the commission, by WCPFC member countries, or countries that have signed cooperation agreements with WCPFC. Fishing boats also have to register with the commission.
EU members Spain and Portugal are refusing to import Vietnam-originating fish because Vietnam is not a commission member and the country’s boats have not been registered.
EU officials have suggested Vietnam contact WCPFC about membership or a cooperation agreement.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has sent a dispatch to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, asking them to draw up documents relating to cooperation with the commission.
MOIT fears that if Vietnam does not shake hands with WCPFC, Vietnam’s seafood products (not only tuna and swordfish) will be denied access to the EU market. As for short-term progress, the EU will send a letter to the EC’s Trade Commissioner, requesting that Vietnam be provided more time to prepare a cooperation agreement.
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