August 28, 2007

Vietnam's Jan-August seafood exports up by 16.7 percent

Vietnam's seafood exports from January to August this year reached US $1.84 billion, up 16.7 percent against the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Trade Information Centre (VTIC).

Exports to EU posted the highest increase, up 26.8 percent against the same period last year and accounting for 25 percent of the country's total export turnover. The US and South Korea were the second and third biggest importers, respectively.

Many enterprises have invested in expanding their processing capacities, upgrading equipment and technology to increase the quality and diversity of their products.

However, there are three key challenges that the seafood industry should hurdle to maintain export markets: food safety and hygiene, shortage of safe processing materials and steep competition in both input and output markets.

Agriculture authorities are outlining strategies and solutions to maintain quality from harvesting to processing. They have also urged a closer coordination between functional agencies in inspection and strict punishment of violations to achieve this goal.