February 20, 2008

Vietnam to expand presence in high-potential Australian seafood market

Vietnam's seafood exporters are urged by the government to improve quality of Australia-bound exports as the country is a promising market with zero import duty on Vietnamese marine products.

In 2007, Vietnam shipped more than US$30-million worth of catfish to Australia, gaining an increase of 30 percent over 2006 exports.

Experts said that seafood farmers should start focusing on the quality and hygiene of exports going to Australia, tap vast potential and increase market share in the country.

Currently, there are 71 Vietnamese seafood producers that export to Australia, including Thuan Hung Co. Ltd., the An Giang Fisheries Import-Export Co. and the Vinh Hoan Co. Ltd. The three are the leading Vietnamese tra and basa catfish exporters.