HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for enhanced inspections of animal transportation as the trade of meat and lobster seeds through southern border gates, particularly in provinces bordering Cambodia and Laos, has turned more active.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the smuggling and illegal transportation of animals through border gates have raised concerns about the potential spread of diseases in local animal husbandry and risks to public health.
To address these issues, the Prime Minister issued an official dispatch on January 31, urging relevant ministries, departments, and localities to implement preventive measures against illegal imports of animals and fishery products through border gates.
Strict sanctions will be imposed on violators, including requiring re-exports or destruction of confiscated goods, said the document.
Under the Prime Minister’s directive, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will facilitate official imports of animals and breeding livestock to ensure a stable food supply for the local market and prevent policy abuse. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security will take action against smugglers in border areas.
The Dong Nai Animal Husbandry Association recently reported that in the first two weeks of the year, around 7,000 pigs were illegally imported from Cambodia into Vietnam, accounting for 30% of the daily pork supply in the local market. The association raised concerns about the negative impact of illegal imports on the local animal husbandry sector.
