HÀ NỘI — India will lift its suspension of the import of some Vietnamese agricultural products, which was enforced on March 7.

During a working session of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Embassy of India in Việt Nam last Thursday, the two sides agreed that India will resume the import of Vietnamese black pepper, cassava, cinnamon and dragon fruit.

In return, Việt Nam will adjust its Decision No 558/QD-BNN-BVTV on suspension of the import of peanut (Arachis hypogaea), cassia seed (Cassia spp), cacao beans (Theobroma cacao), beans (Phaseolus spp), and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) from India due to high risk of Caryedon serratus Olivier beetle infection.

The Vietnamese side will only return those batches of goods contaminated by beetles and allow the import of those batches not infected.

Previously, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) sent a diplomatic note to India requesting the country follow international practices and lift its suspension of the import of some Vietnamese products.

The ministry also asked the Vietnamese embassy in India to forward the above diplomatic note to Indian ministries and agencies concerned.

The Vietnamese products affected by the suspension are coffee bean, bamboo toothpick, black pepper and cinnamon, as well as beans and dragon fruit.

India announced the import suspension in early March.

Upon learning the news, the MoIT held a meeting with the ministries of foreign affairs and agriculture and rural development to discuss solutions and address the issue at the earliest.

Last Thursday, the Government Office also issued a document on the Prime Minister’s instructions related to the issue.

The PM required the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to work closely with the MoIT and relevant agencies to clarify the issue and propose measures to deal with it within this month. — VNS