More drastic measures to be taken for having EC “yellow card” warning removed

The Government Office on June 24 issued document No.275/TB-VPCP, announcing Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang’s conclusions at a recent conference the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control.

The document has been quoted by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) as stating that the European Commission (EC)’s fifth inspection on Vietnam’s fight against IUU fishing will be the decisive time for Vietnam to have the EC’s “yellow card” warning removed. The whole political system has been therefore required to take this as an important task and act with the highest determination.

According to the document, at the recent conference of the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, Deputy PM Tran Luu Quang highly valued efforts by ministries, sectors, and localities on fighting against IUU fishing over the past time. However, he pointed out existing shortcomings and weaknesses, saying that several missions have lagged behind the EC’s recommendations due to the poor awareness of both local leaders and fishermen and limitations in coordination between authorities as well as the inspection and handling of violations.

Deputy PM Quang, who is also Chairman the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, therefore requested high concentration on implementing urgent and key tasks and solutions from now to September, ensuring there are specific data and proven results to work with the EC inspection team.

It is a must to seriously put in place the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Government’s related documents with a view to having the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood removed soon, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed at the conference.

He also required localities to optimize their resources, bolster coordination with competent authorities, and roll out harmonious and drastic solutions, including the handling of violations, the improvement of traceability, and the enhancement of inspections and supervisions over fishing boats’ operation, while promoting standout examples in the fight.