UNC MP Rodney Charles is calling for accountability, after the European Union labelled T&T a non-cooperating country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

It says despite support of the EU to T&T, the country did not make sufficient progress to satisfy the requirements under the IUU legislation.

The resulting EU “red card” reportedly means a possible EU ban for T&T’s fish imports.

In a statement, Mr Charles referred to the development as a foreign policy failure, since the country had since 2016 to address the concerns raised.

He also called for the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries to be held accountable and outline the action he proposes to take going forward.

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THE TRADE MINISTRY RESPONDS TO EU “RED CARD”

Meanwhile, the Trade Ministry has responded to media articles relating to the EU “red card”.

It says while the EU is the world’s largest importer of fisheries products, only 0.022% of T&T fisheries exports are destined for the bloc.

The Ministry adds that when total trade is considered, fishing exports to the EU account for only 0.00007% of T&T’s trade with that region.

It says this will not deter it from seeking to enhance market access in the EU for local fisheries and fish-containing products, as well as other items.

A statement from the Ministry says, “For example, in January 2022, the MTI was informed of EU Commission Delegated Regulation 630 adopted in 2021 which aims to protect humans from animal and plant pests or diseases, and calls for compliance with the EU’s agri-food chain legislation. It was determined that the Regulation could serve as a barrier to trade if exporters are unable to meet the required standards and if the country where the goods originate is not among the EU’s list of third countries approved to export to the EU. Therefore, the MTI took immediate action to seek Trinidad and Tobago’s inclusion in the EU’s List of Approved Third Countries. An Inter-Ministerial Committee approved by Cabinet was established to oversee Trinidad and Tobago’s application to obtain approval to export plant and animal products (including fisheries), as well as composite products, to the EU.  An Expression of Interest (EOI), the first step in the process, was submitted to the EU in 2022, and after review by the EU Authorities, Trinidad and Tobago was invited to submit its Pre-Mission Questionnaire.”

The Ministry says the Questionnaire was submitted to the EU in August 2023, with a response yet to be receieved.

It adds that the EU’s response will indicate whether further information is necessary or whether T&T could move to the third phase of the process, which is a local visit to audit the country’s regulatory systems.