January 7, 2008

Vietnamese seafood exporters confused on Russian ban

Three Vietnamese seafood exporters expressed confusion over Russia's ban, which took effect on January 1, 2008 for no apparent reason.

National Fisheries Assurance and Veterinary Directorate (Nafiquaved) director, Nguyen Tu Cuong, said the ban was lifted Thursday after the Vietnamese companies proved they meet quality standards.

However, Russia has released no documents confirming the lifting of the ban. Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP), secretary general Truong Dinh Hoe, said he was not officially advised of Russia's decision to lift the ban.

Hoe said the Russian government applied more stringent measures to limit imports, the Thanh Nien Daily reported.

Russia's Federal Service of Veterinary and Phytoveterinary Surveillance (VPSS) sent officials to Vietnam early last year to examine aquaculture processing plants and growers.

A Nafiquaved official said the VPSS did not provided results and conclusions after the inspection. However, after the visit, the number of Vietnamese businesses allowed to export seafood to Russia dwindled from 300 to 24.

The official further stated that no Vietnamese businesses were reported of violating Russia's food quality and hygiene standards.