BANGKOK, Jan 9 (TNA) – The Board of Trade and three fishing-related associations praised the government for successful efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing which consequently resulted in the European Union’s decision to remove its yellow card on Thailand.
Poj Aramwattananont, vice chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand, said Thailand had seriously solved IUU fishing and proved to be the first country in the region with successful solutions. Its efforts also included solutions to migrant workers’ problems, child labour and human trafficking.
Chanintr Chalisarapong, president of the Thai Tuna Industry Association, said the removed yellow card marked the beginning of the rehabilitation of marine resources. He said the amount of aquatic animals in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea plunged from 3 million tons in 1985 to 1 million tons in 2015. He hoped the figure could reach 2 million tons in ten years.
This year’s tuna exports should grow 10% to 110 billion baht from 82.62 billion baht last year partly due to the IUU fishing solution, he said.
Visit Limlurcha, president of the Thai Food Processors’ Association, said the exports of ready-to-eat foods would grow by 5% from 191.06 billion baht last year.
Panisuan Jamnarnwej, president of the Thai Frozen Foods Association, said the exports of frozen foods would expand by 2-3% to about 80 billion baht this year as government control on fishing boats boosted confidence among importers. (TNA)
