Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has called on China to expedite the resumption of ornate rock lobster imports from Vietnam. He presented this request on Monday during the 12th meeting of the inter-governmental China-Vietnam Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee.
The export of ornate rock lobsters, a significant seafood product for Vietnam, to China was halted two months ago due to China’s amendments to wildlife conservation laws. The revised regulations now demand clear proof of the farming process, specifically the use of second-generation (F2) lobsters raised in farms for breeding instead of wild ones. Importers in China are required to obtain certification from its Bureau of Fisheries.
In response to the plea, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao proposed that Vietnamese ornate rock lobster farms and packing facilities register with China Customs. He emphasized the need for relevant departments in both countries to inspect and review businesses and aquaculture facilities involved in lobster exports to China.
Wang commended Vietnam for its high-quality agricultural products, highlighting durian fruits as an example, constituting nearly US$2 billion in exports to China. He also expressed the intention of his ministry to assist Vietnamese brands in establishing themselves in the Chinese market and collaborate with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to establish an agency for promoting Vietnamese goods.
Minister Dien agreed with Wang’s suggestions and conveyed Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate in setting up smart customs in Lang Son Province to facilitate the movement of goods and enhance bilateral agricultural cooperation.
China stands as Vietnam’s largest trade partner, with their trade reaching $175.6 billion last year, and Vietnam ranking as China’s fourth-largest partner. Despite this, the recent legal impediment has significantly impacted the export of ornate rock lobsters. In the year leading up to August, Vietnam’s exports of ornate rock lobsters to China witnessed a 42% year-on-year decline, amounting to $76 million.
