Representatives of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission presented the certificate to Vietnamese representatives at their meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from July 14–16.

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce was granted its EU designation of origin certification in late October 2012 after nearly four years maintaining stringent food hygiene and safety requirements.

The recognition will raise the product’s prestige, prevent the proliferation of EU market counterfeits, and spotlight its domestic and foreign profile.

At the meeting, delegates examined ways to strengthen trade promotion and cooperation between Vietnam and the EU.

EU representatives updated Vietnamese trade counselors and officials on new regulations and the status of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) negotiations.

Participants discussed EU recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, the draft EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy regulations, and expanding Vietnam’s participation in international events.

Vietnamese Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Ho Thi Kim Thoa said the meeting helps Vietnamese trade officials deepen their understanding of the EU’s new import-export policies and regulations. It also helps the two sides address stumbling blocks in ongoing negotiations and streamline coordination.

Thoa added her ministry is intending to work with the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-MUTRAP) to assist businesses to develop protected geographic indication (GI) profiles for major agricultural products like Buon Ma Thuot Coffee, San Tuyet Moc Chau Tea, and Hoa Loc Mango.