Visiting Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) Bernd Lange

In October 2017, the EC issued a “yellow card” warning to Vietnam due to the country’s failure to demonstrate sufficient progress in thefight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He said the issuance had a certain impact on theconsideration and ratification of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

However, he stressed that the important thing is Vietnam hascome up with measures to improve the situation.

The official recommended the country consider preservingfishery resources for the future and cutting subsidies to fishing to boostreserves.

Suggesting the local Government provide tracking equipmentto monitor fishing vessels, he stated if Vietnam can fulfill its anti-IUUduties and improve the situation, the ‘yellow card’ will be lifted.

Lange also told the press conference that during theirworking sessions, his delegation and Vietnamese partners expressed theirdeepest condolences to the families of 39 people recently found dead in a lorryin the UK.

He said the case involved illegal human trafficking, whichthe EP will make efforts to prevent.

The INTA delegation was in Vietnam from October 28 – 31 toassess the country’s preparations and readiness for the ratification of itsfree trade and investment protection agreements with the EU./. VNA