In September 2023, Professor Dave Little was invited to give evidence to the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission on the perceived impact on UK food standards, of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Areas of particular concern in this case were aquatic animal health, welfare and the environment.

The CPTPP membership is Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and now the UK. The consultations will lead to a report which will be provided to Parliament and will inform the Government’s own report on the impact of the agreement on certain domestic statutory standards.

In his presentation to Commission Members, Professor Little used the example of Vietnam-UK seafood trade to illustrate potential issues, citing both farmed pangasius catfish and prawns. He discussed how consolidation in the industry had both positive and negative impacts and also highlighted how exports to China are rapidly increasing and driving further change within the sector. Key environmental problems were discussed as well as the benefits for social and economic development.