VASEP's new initiatives to solve fish dispute

Ha Noi, Apr. 3 (VNA)-The Viet Nam Association of Seafood exporters and processors (VASEP) has put forth inititives to help resolve the Viet Nam-U.S dispute over tra and basa catfish.

VASEP said that the initiatives which could help create a win-win situation include the following:

-Apply quota for tra and basa fillets from 2003-2005: the 2003 quota equals to 90 percent, the 2004 quota equals to 95 percent and abd the 2005 quota equals to 100 percent of 2002. As from 2005, quota will not be applied. Quota will be distributed publicly in transparency.

-Quota implementation will be scrutinized by the Minsitry of Trade and other Vietnamese government agencies. Businesses which exceed their quota in 2003 and 2004 will have their quota slashed by 25 percent in the next year. Any business which exceeds its quota for 2005 will be refused by Customs Office.

-VASE and its enteprise members will cooperate with U.S partners to regulate the tra and basa fish markets in the U.S and elsewhere by sharing resources and experiences.

-VASEP's businesses have comply to observe the FDA rule on labelling tra and basa exports to the U.S.

-VASEP's businesses have to cooperate with the FDA to ensure that tra and basa exports meet quality and hygiene requirements.