January 3, 2007

Vietnam, Japan settles pact on seafood exports

Vietnamese and Japanese agencies have agreed to work on a bilateral agreement on safety controls on seafood traded between the two countries, according to Vietnam National Fisheries Quality Assurance and Veterinary Directorate (Nafiqaved).

This development took place after discussions between the Nafiqaved and the Food and Drug Administration Agency of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) was held last December 25 to 28 in Japan concerning safety on seafood exports. 

Nafiqaved apologised to the Japanese agency regarding antibiotic residues and stated Vietnam's immediate actions in addressing the problem.

The MHLW has agreed to provide Vietnam with regular and updated information on chemical substances found on Vietnamese seafood.

In addition, the two agencies agreed to increase the exchange of technicians to help improve their knowledge and skills in identifying prohibited chemicals and antibiotics in seafood.