Reactions have been positive from the seafood industry on both sides of the Pacific following the signing of a new Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.
The agreement, between 12 different countries, will affect trade in many different industries, but the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) issued a statement in support of the agreement.
“The fruitful result will promote economic growth; support the creation and retention of jobs; enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness; raise living standards; reduce poverty in our countries; and promote transparency, good governance, and enhanced labor and environmental protections,” VASEP wrote.
In Canada, the Seafood Producers Association of British Columbia, which describes itself as the largest seafood processing organization on Canada’s Pacific coast, also spoke in favor of the agreement.
“The TPP trade agreement will help our processor members fulfil their potential and realize new business opportunities,” said Chris Sporer, the association’s executive director.
Sporer noted Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia area all major markets for seafood from British Columbia, making the TPP all the more vital for his organization’s business.
“TPP will not only enhance our industry's access to key high value and growing Pacific seafood markets, it will also help ensure a continued level playing field with our main competitors for these markets,” he said.
