April 13, 2009
Russia grants 39 Vietnamese firms to export catfish
Russia has given the go-ahead to 39 Vietnamese firms to resume exporting tra catfish.
The move follows talks last month between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Russian partners after imports of Vietnamese seafood exports were blocked by Russia late last year over quality issues.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) deputy chairman Nguyen Huu Dung said exporters earned US$200-300 million a year from the market.
Dung said the resumption of exports would give the green flag to other export markets with concerns over Vietnam's food safety and hygiene, which included Spain, Italy and Egypt.
MARD deputy minister Luong Le Phuong said Russia had strict standards on food safety and hygiene.
Last year, Vietnam's seafood exports to Russia underwent a year-on-year increase of 83 percent to reach US$218 million, including US$188.4 million from tra catfish exports, 109 percent higher than in 2007.
Seafood exports to Russia are expected to reach US$300-$400 million this year.
Vietnamese catfish export management board chief Duong Ngoc Minh said catfish exports to Russia would reach US$180-200 million this year and were expected to grow strongly.
