At a foreign ministry's regular press briefing in Hanoi on September 25, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to reporters’ questions regarding the recent decision by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reject the recognition of equivalence for 12 Vietnamese fishing methods under the MMPA, which could result in the suspension of imports of these fisheries products to the US from January 1, 2026.

The spokesperson emphasized, “On September 15, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien sent a letter to the US Secretary of Commerce, requesting the Ministry of Commerce and NOAA to reconsider this decision, so as to avoid serious disruptions to bilateral trade and safeguard the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese fishers and workers.”

She  affirmed that, under the direction of the Government and with the support of localities, Vietnam’s fisheries sector has strived to modernize, strengthen responsibility, and enhance fisheries management.

“In the time ahead, based on the Vietnam-US comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam stands ready to engage in exchanges and work hand in hand with the US to resolve remaining issues, further promote fair and sustainable bilateral trade, and ensure the legitimate interests of people and businesses on both sides,” Hang stressed.

Ben Tre cracks down on illegal fishing to lift EC’s yellow card warning

The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices as the country is working to address the European Commission’s yellow card warning.