Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Hai Binh made the statement on May 31 in response to reporters' questions about Vietnam’s comment on the US Senate’s voting for Joint Draft Resolution 28, on May 25 to remove the programme.

Vietnam has repeatedly voiced its concern on the program due to its unnecessity and possible violation of the WTO regulations and TPP principles, Binh said.

He praised the move as in the right direction in line with bilateral comprehensive partnership following President Obama’s recent visit to Vietnam. 

The official called for early steps by the House of Representatives and the US government to completely remove this program and pledged Vietnam’s efforts to cooperate with other countries in ensuring Vietnamese catfish’s quality.

“We always redouble efforts to cooperate with countries, including the US, to ensure safety and the quality of Vietnamese catfish which has met international quality and safety standards," he added.