VIETNAM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES EVFTA AGREEMENT – A NEW ERA IN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION ON ANIMAL WELFARE AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION

Earlier this year, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have ratified the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Humane Society International (HSI) believes that, should resources be appropriately provided, this Agreement will greatly catalyze wildlife protection and enhance cooperation when it comes to animals’ welfare.

Dr. Joanna Swabe, Senior Director of Public Affairs for HSI/Europe, regards this as a historic opportunity to strengthen the synergy on animal protection. Although provisions related to animal welfare are limited, this Agreement introduces an opportunity for the European Union to provide technical assistance and capacity building to advance farm animal welfare in Vietnam.

Vietnam is still considered as a “hot-spot” of illegal wildlife source, consumption, and transit. The illegal wildlife trade not only poses a threat to biodiversity and natural habitats but, as in the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, it can also trigger serious public health threats. Obviously, according to existing regulations, wildlife trade and consumption is illegal in Vietnam, but the implementation of these regulations is still poorly performed.

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