Vietnam ramps up efforts to lift EU “Yellow Card” on Illegal fishing

DNHN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for intensified and coordinated efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” on Vietnam’s fisheries removed within this year.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for intensified and coordinated efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” on Vietnam’s fisheries removed within this year, urging strong institutional and legal reforms as well as digitalization of vessel management.

Chairing the 14th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Prevention and Control on September 23 in Hanoi, Prime Minister Chinh underscored that combating IUU fishing is both an immediate and strategic national priority.

He directed the Steering Committee to conduct weekly evaluations, closely monitor the implementation of measures, and expedite the digital transformation of fishing fleet management to improve traceability and compliance.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework, along with strengthening coordination mechanisms across all levels of government, is essential to meet the European Commission’s benchmarks.

He also requested that a delegation be thoroughly prepared to work directly with EC officials, with detailed reports and clear proposals to demonstrate Vietnam’s commitment and progress in aligning with international standards.

PM Chinh stressed the responsibility of industry associations and seafood businesses to strictly follow anti-IUU regulations. This includes a firm ban on purchasing, processing, or exporting illegally caught seafood. He called for enhanced collaboration with enforcement agencies to investigate and penalize violations, particularly those involving record falsification or complicity in illegal fishing practices.

Binh Anh