HCMC – The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has rejected recent allegations of worker abuse in the Vietnamese shrimp farming industry by the Sustainability Incubator, stating that employment practices at shrimp processing companies in Vietnam fully comply with the existing Labor Code and relevant regulations.
VASEP has clarified that claims of child labor in the Vietnamese shrimp industry are inaccurate and misleading. They emphasize that Vietnam’s shrimp industry, particularly in the Mekong Delta region—which accounts for 95% of the country’s shrimp production—operates in compliance with regulations and ethical guidelines.
Vietnam has over 200 shrimp processing plants approved by the European Commission (EC), all of which undergo regular inspections. Many shrimp farming areas in Vietnam have obtained international certifications such as Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), the ASC Shrimp Standard, and Global GAP.
These certifications require compliance with stringent criteria, including social responsibility (such as prohibiting child labor), regulatory adherence, and the conservation of natural environments and biodiversity.
The shrimp industry is a significant contributor to Vietnam’s economy, generating around US$3.5 billion to US$4 billion in export revenue and accounting for 40% to 45% of the country’s fishery exports. Vietnamese shrimp products are exported to 100 countries and territories, with the largest markets being Europe, the U.S., Japan, China, and South Korea, which are known for their strict environmental, social, and governance standards.
VASEP reiterates that Vietnam has the necessary conditions to develop a sustainable shrimp industry that complies with both local and international laws regarding employment, social responsibility, and food safety.
