September 9, 2024

Vietnam's shrimp industry slams report's allegations of labour abuse

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and the Vietnamese shrimp industry have issued a statement rejecting Sustainability Incubator's recently released report on labour abuse in the shrimp industry, arguing the allegations in the report are groundless, misleading, and harmful to the reputation of the Vietnamese shrimp industry.

According to VASEP, its member companies are reliable producers and exporters of seafood, accounting for 80-84% of the country's total seafood export value. They operate in accordance with national laws and regulations, as well as international standards for food safety, social responsibility, and environmental protection, making Vietnamese seafood products increasingly popular around the world, the organisation noted.

To export seafood products to various markets, Vietnam has worked to improve labour standards and working conditions across all industries, including shrimp production. The government has implemented labour laws and regulations, established enforcement mechanisms, and promoted corporate social responsibility activities, said VASEP in its press release.

The organisation also stated that the Vietnamese shrimp industry is a major economic driver, providing livelihoods for millions of people, especially in rural areas. The industry has undergone significant modernisation and is committed to ensuring ethical and sustainable practices.

To date, more than 200 shrimp processing factories have been approved by the European Commission, with regular inspections conducted at these facilities.

According to VASEP, the best evidence that shrimp farming is both safe and sustainable can be found through the increasing number of certifications established by international standard organisations, including the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Global GAP, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification. To achieve these certifications, farms must adhere to criteria such as social responsibility (including the prohibition of child labour, ensuring worker health and safety, freedom of association, and community relations), legal compliance, and environmental conservation.

With regard to labour issues, VASEP noted that labour practices at Vietnamese shrimp firms are governed by the 2012 Labour Code and Government Decree 45/2013/ND-CP dated May 10, 2013.

VASEP asserted that the Vietnamese shrimp industry is well-positioned to develop sustainably, complying with all national and international laws and regulations related to labour conditions, social responsibility, and food safety.

- VOV