US asked to reconsider denial of equivalence for 12 fishing methods
VOV.VN - Vietnam has asked the US to reconsider its decision to deny equivalence for 12 fishing methods under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), aiming to prevent disruption to bilateral trade and protect the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of fishers, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang has stated.
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.
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