Thailand praised for progress in fishery reform
Fifteen supermarkets and buyers in the US, UK and EU have sent a letter to Chalermchai Sreeon, Minister of Agricultural and Cooperatives, as well as the Royal Thai embassies abroad, praising Thailand for its progress in reforming the fishery industry and rectifying key pieces of legislation which have resulted in positive developments in its fishing practices.
The fifteen supermarkets and buyers are Albertsons Companies, Aldi Nord, Aldi South, Cargill, EDEKA, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), Kroger, Lidl International, Morrisons, REWE Group, Sainsbury’s, SEA Alliance, Tesco, Waitrose, and Whole Foods.
The letter said: “we, the undersigned businesses, congratulate the Royal Thai government on its significant efforts to reform and rectify key pieces of legislation which have resulted in positive developments in Thailand's fishing practices”.
In addition, the foreign companies said:“ They would continue to monitor and support collaboration between the government, seafood suppliers and civil society organisations to ensure that these crucial reforms continue to progress and be implemented effectively”.
The supermarkets and buyers urged the Thai government to continue its reform efforts and work constructively with national actors to achieve a transition towards a legal, ethical and sustainable fishing sector.