NONTHABURI, Jan 9 (TNA) — The exports of seafood and related products have a bright prospect after the European Union wiped out its yellow card from the Thai fishing industry, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said.
The positive outlook rested especially with processed seafood while fishermen would also benefit from buyers’ confidence in Thai fishing products, he said.
“The removal of the EU’s yellow card is a positive sign for fishing exports which are likely to grow. It results from the joint efforts of the government and all concerned parties to comprehensively solve problems,” Mr Sontirat said.
he European Commission has delisted Thailand from the group of ‘warned countries’ in recognition of its progress in tackling the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach said the EU replaced its yellow card with a green card for the Thai fishing industry. He also said that his ministry would consider fishing operators’ complaint about difficulties from amended fishing-related laws and their harsh punishments including fines and the seizure of fishing boats and catches.
Regulations could be adjusted to be friendly to fishermen, Mr Grisada said.
He added that his ministry would find alternative fishing tools to replace banned ones to help fishermen. (TNA)
