Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to Combat IUU Fishing, Seeks EU ‘Yellow Card’ Removal
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, emphasizing constructive cooperation with the European Union (EU) based on sincerity, transparency and concrete actions.
The remarks came during a meeting on Thursday with a European Commission (EC) inspection delegation led by Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries, who is visiting Vietnam for the fifth review of the country’s efforts to address IUU fishing.
Welcoming the delegation, PM Chinh described the EU as a leading and important partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy. He highlighted the steady strengthening of political trust and robust growth in economic, trade and investment ties, particularly following the recent elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The EU is currently Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, while Vietnam is the EU’s largest trading partner within ASEAN and its 16th globally, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$74 billion in 2025. The EU also ranks as Vietnam’s sixth-largest investor.
The prime minister underscored the significance of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), noting that both frameworks are driving deeper economic integration and facilitating stronger links between European businesses and ASEAN markets.
Highlighting Vietnam’s long-term development vision of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045, PM Chinh stressed that sustainable fisheries development is a national priority.
He said Vietnam’s efforts to combat IUU fishing are rooted not only in meeting EC recommendations but also in safeguarding national credibility and ensuring sustainable marine resource management. He expressed appreciation for the EC’s continued support and close coordination over the years.
Vietnam has implemented a wide range of measures to address IUU fishing, including strengthening the legal framework, enforcing strict penalties for violations, improving fleet management, enhancing traceability of seafood products, and supporting fishermen in transitioning to sustainable livelihoods.
On this basis, PM Chinh expressed hope that the EC would consider lifting its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood, paving the way for stronger and more effective cooperation between Vietnam, the EU and its member states.
For his part, Guimaraes thanked the Vietnamese leader for the reception, describing it as a clear indication of the government’s strong political will in tackling IUU fishing. He acknowledged the EC’s more than eight-year partnership with Vietnam and noted significant progress, particularly in vessel monitoring systems and seafood traceability mechanisms.
The EC delegation expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue to address remaining challenges, fully meet the Commission’s recommendations, and achieve sustainable and effective fisheries governance.
