Proposing China to expeditiously ratify the Protocol pertaining seafood trade

Note 105/CH-BNN-HTQT was dispatched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on June 8 to the General Administration of Customs China, outlining several matters related to the import and export of agricultural and aquatic products.

In order to align with the shared perspective of senior leaders from Vietnam and China, as outlined in the "Joint statement on continuing to promote and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has dispatched a delegation, led by Ministry leadership, to engage with the People's Government and Customs Department of Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in China. This visit, scheduled from May 29 to June 2, aims to bolster cooperation and enhance the trade volume of agricultural products between the two nations, utilizing the gateway of provinces that share a land border.

Following a productive working session, the delegation reached a consensus with the Customs Department of Guangxi and Yunnan in China to engage in a collaborative effort with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to expeditiously finalize the "Protocol between GACC and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam on food safety, quarantine and inspection requirements for aquatic products exported and imported between Vietnam and China".

It is recommended to include a variety of fruits, species, and aquatic products, as well as a limited number of enterprises authorized to export seafood to China, which have undergone inspection by Vietnamese authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations outlined in Orders 248 and 249 of GACC. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has suggested that the Chinese customs authorities permit the exportation of live seafood via the border gates located in Yunnan province. This proposal aims to alleviate the clearance pressure experienced at the border gates and to provide optimal conditions for businesses.

Furthermore, it is suggested that the Guangxi and Yunnan provincial Customs Departments be directed by GACC to enhance their professional processes and facilitate information updates to speed up solving problems and enhance customs clearance capabilities. Additionally, it is recommended that an annual rotating meeting be organized every November between the provincial Customs Departments and the relevant authorities of Vietnam.