The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) is proposing urgent measures to reform its seafood industry in the wake of the recent yellow card handed to the country by the European Commission, reports VOV.vn

In a document recently sent to leaders of the National Assembly, Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), VASEP asked for double examination of the revised draft of the country's Fisheries Law before it is approved, to ensure that the EU's recommendations are considered.

The association said that the revision, along with a letter sent by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong to the EU on October 20 asking for the clarification of the union’s recommendations, is the most important step to meeting global standards.

VASEP also suggested the formation of a working team for unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to be headed by a MARD leader and involve representatives of some ministries and associations, including the VASEP, focusing on activities to avoid receiving a “red card”.

It also suggested Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong heading a delegation to work with EU representatives in Brussels, Belgium on IUU issues in November this year.

At the same time, the VASEP also proposed the organisation of a conference on IUU “yellow card” and the building of a six-month plan, gathering representatives of some ministries, sectors and businesses.

The European Commission recently gave Vietnam a "yellow card" warning as it found that the country is not doing enough to fight illegal fishing.

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