Malaysian fish exports to EU resume after long suspension

November 26, 2010 | 16:29

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The European Union said Friday its trade in fish and fishery products with Malaysia is back to normal, after it suspended imports more than two years ago over health concerns.

"After two years of intensive and fruitful cooperation between the Malaysian and the EU authorities, trade flows have resumed, in full compliance with EU standards," European Commission ambassador to Malaysia Vincent Piket said.

The EU in May last year partially resumed imports of frozen seafood imports which had been suspended in June 2008 for failing to meet health standards, including concerns over hygiene issues and food safety management.

The latest announcement comes after Malaysia and the EU kicked off free-trade talks last month, hoping to boost a relationship that currently accounts for around 10 per cent of Malaysian imports and exports.

The free-trade deal is expected to be struck in 2012.

Piket said the EU's fish supplies are insufficient. "We are eager to source it from reliable producer countries such as Malaysia."

"We will jointly continue to ensure that only products complying with the highest food safety standards will be traded between the parties. That’s what today’s consumer expects," he said.

In 2007, Malaysian exports of fish and fishery products to the EU were valued at 600 million ringgit ($190 million).

AFP

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