December 8, 2006

Vietnam seafood processors try to keep hold of the Japanese market

Minister of Fisheries Ta Quang Ngoc on December has sent a diplomatic note to the Japanese Ministry of Health and Labour, requesting for ease in its measures on Vietnamese seafood exports. 
 
Ngoc said Vietnamese seafood processors will need more time to be acquainted to the new regulations on food hygiene set by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Labour effective since July 1, 2006.

The new standards prove to be even higher than the standards for the EU and the US markets such as the Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans residues which should be lower than 1 percent.

Japan has earlier decided to completely ban cuttlefish and shrimp imports after discovering 50 to 100 percent of the shipments have been found to contain excessive chemical residues.

The Minister of Fisheries has set talks with Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, while the National Fisheries Quality Assurance and Veterinary Directorate also sent a diplomatic note to its counterpart in Japan, requesting favourable conditions and flexible regulations for Vietnamese seafood exports.

Ngoc stressed that the problem lies, within the materials used as farmers use the chemical substances for keeping cuttlefish and shrimps fresh during transport.

Ngoc has asked Deputy Minister of Trade Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to cooperate in controlling the sale and circulation of prohibited substances in the southern provinces, especially the wholesale markets in Ho Chi Mihn City.

Ngoc will discuss with provincial leaders of Ca Mau which sends a large proportion of exports.