August 12, 2010

Vietnamese exporters gets go signal for puffer fish shipment

For the first time, the state of Vietnam has permitted exporters to begin the shipment of puffer fish.

The first exporters selected on a pilot basis under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are fishermen and seafood processors in the provinces of Kien Giang and Khanh Hoa, where waters are rich in puffer fish.

Luong Le Phuong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, says that the fish poses risks since it contains toxins that can be harmful to customers, and Vietnamese fishermen have heretofore lacked the skills and techniques to process it.

"The government banned exploiting, processing and trading in puffer fish in 2003 after a number of deaths caused by improper processing. But the fish has high commercial value if safely processed to clear all toxins. Puffer fish are used not only for food but to produce pharmaceutical products in Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other markets. Importers from Japan, the RoK and China have all expressed interest in buying the fish from Vietnam," Phuong said.

Under a three-year ministry plan, an estimated 800-1,000 tonnes of processed fish would be exported annually at US$5-10/kg, earning a turnover of US$4-10 million each year. The business was expected to generate jobs for 600-1,000 workers.

Kien Giang and Khanh Hoa would each choose two qualified businesses to work with RoK's Poseidon Seafood Co-the sole partner allowed to import puffer fish from Vietnam under the initial period-to classify and process puffer fish for export.

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, the deputy director of Kien Giang province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said a training course began on August 9 for workers of the two chosen export companies in the province, with experts from the National Agro-Forestry and Fisheries Quality Assurance Department and Poseidon Seafood Co.

"Workers will be equipped with essential knowledge and techniques, from classifying different kinds of puffer fish to preserving and processing the fish to clear out all poisonous substance. Apart from the two chosen companies, all other individuals and businesses would continue to be banned from exploiting, processing and trading in puffer fish to ensure consumer safety," Phuong said.

The pilot project also has a budget of VND45-50 billion (US$2.3-2.6 million) funded from state and provincial sources and investors. Minister Phuong said strict control and supervision would ensure safety and hygiene, from the catch to transport and processing of the fish.

According to the ministry, there are an estimated 40 different varieties of puffer fish in Vietnam with a potential estimated catch of over 37,300 tonnes per year.