January 25, 2008

More Vietnamese seafood exporters get EU nod for hygiene

The EU has approved imports from 25 more Vietnamese seafood processors based on sanitary and safety assessments.

The processors could export their products to the EU starting on January 31, 2008, said the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

The association added that total number of processors who meet EU standards is now 269.

Vietnam is currently one of the world's top ten seafood exporters, earning US$3.75 billion last year.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said seafood exports could top US$4.25 billion this year.

Authorities would focus on the hygiene and safety of the products exported, the ministry added.