Russia reopens market for Vietnamese pangasius catfish

Russia has reopened its market to Vietnam's pangasius catfish exports, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Russia will grant export licenses to 10 Vietnamese seafood companies including Hung Vuong, Vinh Hoan, Mekong Fish and the Ben Tre seafood Import-Export Company.

An inspection team from Russia arrived in Vietnam on February 16 and is expected to inspect some seafood processing enterprises on February 18.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) has announced that, it will re-conduct a survey on seafood producers to make an accurate assessment on the quality of exports.

VASEP said the survey will help devise practical plans for aquaculture areas, the quality of breeding stock and measures to support farmers.

Knowledge and skills production, processing techniques and the consumption of aquatic products will also be shared.

In future, the seafood sector will conduct surveys in foreign markets, sign contracts and solve any issues related to exporting businesses.

In addition, VASEP will assist farmers to access loans with preferential interest rates.

Russia suspended the imports of Vietnamese pangasius catfish since December 20, 2008 as the products failed to meet safety and hygiene standards.