Thailand last week received in Samut Sakhon Province the U.S. delegation led by Mr. Michael O’Donovan, Director for Labor Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and representatives from the Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, and the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to discuss the latest progress to address IUU fishing and forced labor in the fishery sector.
During the visit, the delegation observed the work of a multidisciplinary team at the Provincial Fish Marketing Organization Port and a demonstration on the use of software to monitor labor practices and law enforcement, being developed by Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center. They were then briefed by relevant agencies about the latest progress on the fight against illegal fishing and the use of forced labor in the fishery sector at the Port-In Port-Out (PIPO) Center in Samut Sakhon Province. The delegation also learned how the new Fisheries Act and relevant labor laws help protect the rights and ensure the welfare of fishermen, the operation of the PIPO Centers, and mechanisms on inspection at sea.
The U.S. delegation expressed appreciation for the information and the frank discussion during the visit. Both sides look forward to strengthening partnership to fight illegal fishing and forced labor in the fishery sector.
Photo Credit: Command Center to Combat Illegal Fishing (CCCIF)
