United States Pledged Not To Disrupt Vietnam Pangasius Export

According to Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), regarding to the implementation of final inspection rule on pangasius as required by Agricultural Act of 2014, USDA is committed not to interrupt the pangasius export from Vietnam to USA.

In mid-February, MARD has established inter-ministerial delegation led by Deputy Head of MARD - Mr.Vu Van Tam to the United State and worked with USDA, United States Trade Representative (USTR), senior consultants of Members of Parliament from the Senate and House of Commons, and other related organizations and individuals in US. At the same time, MARD formed a technical groups to discuss in detail and clarify the differences in interpretation, application and Vietnam preparation to meet new requirements of final rule.

Processing pangasius for export.

At the meeting, Vietnam delegation expressed concern that applying final rule could interrupt trade and affect lives and jobs of millions of farmers, plenty of seafood processing and trading enterprises, import enterprises and US consumers, simultaneously it can possibly impact two-way agricultural trade relations between two countries.

Vietnam Delegation suggested US to support in terms of techniques and pave the way for Vietnam to meet requirements specified in final rule. They also proposed to extend the transferring time due to the difference in production condition and development level between Vietnam and USA. They emphasized that transferring time of 18 months is very tough for Vietnam.

Besides, Vietnam Delegation also informed that newly issued inspection rule of USA on pangasius is inconsistent with food standard commission (Codex) of United Nations on seafood production and processing. Moreover, it is not necessary for Vietnam pangasius because pangasius have presented in US for almost 20 years, gained consumer confidence and no risk of food safety.

This can be seen as trade barriers to limit pangasius export from Vietnam to USA and violate the provisions of WTO as well as some commitments in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

If the pagansius export from Vietnam to USA is affected, Vietnam may consider the possibility to sue USA at WTO. However, it is definitely the last resort, Vietnam still want USA to consider and repeal the implementation of this final rule.

According to MARD, in the meetings, USDA committed not to interrupt pangasius export from Vietnam to USA and expressed the willingness to strengthen mutual cooperation during the implementation of final rule.

In addition, two parties will also discuss the specific content of technical support program to help Vietnam in being qualified for US pangasius control system so as not to interrupt the export.

As planned, in upcoming April, USDA will coordinate with MARD to organize international conference on inspection program in Ho Chi Minh City for 17 countries that export pangasius to US and be affected by this rule.

Dung Nguyen

Source: cafef.vn