Workers are processing catfish before exporting to the US. — Photo tiepthinongnghiep.com

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) catfish inspection programme was not yet suitable for Viet Nam and more bilateral discussions were needed, the Government said on Thursday.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Tran Thanh Nam spoke in Ha Noi at a meeting between senior Vietnamese and US officials to boost trade relations in the agricultural sector.

Nam said he hoped the US would create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses in fishery processing and other fields of cultivation so that they can strengthen trade ties with their American counterparts.

Also, Viet Nam hopes that the USDA would soon approve procedures for the export of Vietnamese mangoes and star apples to the US, the deputy minister said.

In addition, the country wants support in technology and organic agricultural projects, including support training courses on organic product certification for Vietnamese experts, Nam added.

Nam asked the US to transfer the inspection programme on plant quarantine to Viet Nam while continuing to help monitor the amount of plant protection drugs found in products exported to the US.

Robert Macke, chief of the USDA’s Office of Agreements and Scientific Affairs and Foreign Agricultural Service, said the US had worked to address Viet Nam’s concern over catfish inspection over the past few years, and affirmed the country’s support for Viet Nam in the matter.

He called for the MARD’s support to get the Vietnamese Government’s approval of the US Embassy’s proposal on new USDA positions at its offices in Ha Noi and HCM City.

Other topics discussed include food safety co-operation in APEC and other bilateral trade collaboration issues. — VNS