Importers confident in Thai seafood exports

BANGKOK, January 15 (TNA) - The private sector reports that importing markets are confident in Thailand's seafood exports, thanks to the quality of the Thai products. The private sector has also assessed that Thailand should pass fishing standard audit by the European Union (EU) next week because public and private agencies in the country have joined forces to seriously tackle illegal fishing and labour abuses. Poj Aramwattananont, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trade, told journalists on January 15 it is likely for Thailand to pass the fishing standard audit by EU during January 18-22, as the Kingdom was the first country to quickly solve illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Isara Vongkusolkit, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, stressed that the private sector has worked seriously together with the Thai government to address low rankings on human trafficking and illegal fishing by the United States and EU because the problems have affected national image and production chains and will ask the government to assist business operators affected by its measures implemented to meet labour and fishing standards. Mongkhol Sukcharoenkhana, Vice Chairman of the Fisheries Association of Thailand, noted that problems about fishing boats and fishing workers have been much solved and he did not think EU would boycott Thai fishing products. Somsak Paneetatayasai, President of the Thai Shrimp Association, said he has asked members to buy fishmeal from certified suppliers and refrain from selling wild-caught shrimps. Chanintr Chalisarapong, President of the Thai Tuna Industry Association, affirmed that members bought tuna from legal fishing boats certified by the United Nations and the industry imported 700,000 tons of tuna yearly. Panisuan Chamnanvej, Honorary President of the Thai Frozen Foods Association, acknowledged that the origins of raw materials used by members have been traceable. (TNA)