Post by Soutpeel on Jun 8, 2016 7:12:15 GMT 7
EU RENEWS THREAT TO BAN THAI SEAFOOD WITHOUT SWIFT ACTION ON LABOR, FISHING
The bloc’s fisheries and social affairs chiefs, in a letter Tuesday to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan that was obtained by the Associated Press, said talks in July in Bangkok on fighting fish fraud and labor abuses “will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present concrete and robust measures.” The letter was signed by both Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.
Despite months of talks, the 28-nation EU is not satisfied with progress to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world’s third-largest seafood exporter. Illegal labor practices in Thailand amounting in some cases to slave labor have only exacerbated the problem. The letter said barring a breakthrough on the issue next month and “tangible progress” by year’s end, a ban might follow.
Thailand, which has 8.1 percent of global fishing exports, needs the wealthy European market to maintain its seafood prominence. Annual Thai fish exports to the EU are estimated to be worth between EUR575 million and EUR730 million (23 billion baht and 29.2 billion baht).
www.khaosodenglish.com/2016/06/07/eu-renews-threat-to-ban-thai-seafood-without-swift-action-on-labor-fishing/
The bloc’s fisheries and social affairs chiefs, in a letter Tuesday to Thai Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan that was obtained by the Associated Press, said talks in July in Bangkok on fighting fish fraud and labor abuses “will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present concrete and robust measures.” The letter was signed by both Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen.
Despite months of talks, the 28-nation EU is not satisfied with progress to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world’s third-largest seafood exporter. Illegal labor practices in Thailand amounting in some cases to slave labor have only exacerbated the problem. The letter said barring a breakthrough on the issue next month and “tangible progress” by year’s end, a ban might follow.
Thailand, which has 8.1 percent of global fishing exports, needs the wealthy European market to maintain its seafood prominence. Annual Thai fish exports to the EU are estimated to be worth between EUR575 million and EUR730 million (23 billion baht and 29.2 billion baht).
www.khaosodenglish.com/2016/06/07/eu-renews-threat-to-ban-thai-seafood-without-swift-action-on-labor-fishing/
