Vietnam seafood exporters: EU yellow card an opportunity to improve

Tuna is processed in a Vietnamese factory. Photo: Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers 

The issuing of a yellow card will have repercussions for Vietnam's seafood sector, but industry body hopes that the implementation of new, stricter procedures will see it retain its place in the EU market.

The impact on Vietnam's seafood export business from the issuing of an EU yellow card will be felt throughout the supply chain according to a release issued today by Vietnam's Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The European Commission issued the warning October 23 on the basis that Vietnam's efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing were not considered enough.

Consequences will include possible adverse effects for Vietnam's seafood brand in its key export markets and costs associated with the new retention and checks of 100 percent of Vietnam's seafood exports.

Exports to the EU market are already declining and there's every possibility the negative impacts will be felt in other export markets too, such as the United States said VASEP.

However, the warning is also an opportunity for the industry to re-evaluate, reorganize and improve its fisheries management systems.

According to the EU system, Vietnam has six months to correct deficiencies or a red card and all out ban will be issued.

In light of this Vietnam is preparing to apply its new fishery control system to combat IUU exploitation from Jan. 1 next year with the commitment so far of 73 seafood processing facilities.

VASEP has also been cooperating with the General Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Vietnam Coast Guard Command and concerned agencies to implement the program.

VASEP said in the release, issued in Vietnamese, that it hopes that in the next six months, the fisheries sector in Vietnam will have institutional improvements as well as practices recognized by the EU for Vietnam to maintain its large $350-400 million place in the EU market.