May 30, 2025

Vietnam, India strengthen fisheries cooperation

Vietnam and India are enhancing cooperation in the fisheries sector, with nearly 150 businesses from both countries aiming at boosting trade and investment.

Organised by the Vietnam Trade Office in India, in coordination with industry bodies and government agencies, the online event provided a platform for businesses to explore partnerships and promote bilateral trade. Around 50 Vietnamese and 100 Indian enterprises from across the fisheries value chain joined the seminar.

Vietnam Trade Counsellor Bui Trung Thuong expressed his hope that the seminar will foster cooperation in aquaculture technology transfer, cold chain development, international trade promotion, and collaboration on quality control, traceability, and sustainability.

Pawan Kumar, president of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) proposed three key initiatives, including mutual participation in trade fairs, a rotating Asian seafood export fair, and a joint strategic group to share market insights and optimise supply chains. He pledged SEAI's full support for these efforts.

Rama Sankar Naik, Commissioner at the Department of Fisheries of Andhra Pradesh state, highlighted cooperation opportunities in aquaculture and processing techniques, joint ventures, cold chain solutions, research and development on disease control, and human resource training.

Vietnamese firms showcased the country's advantages, including favourable natural conditions, a strong private sector, government support, benefits from free trade agreements, and a skilled workforce. They also noted challenges such as stricter market regulations; illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing rules, climate change, and changes in the US' trade policies.

India's fast-growing fisheries sector offers significant potential for cooperation, especially with Vietnam, which shares similar strengths and complementary capabilities.

Closer collaboration between the SEAI and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), as well as enterprises in both countries, is seen as the key to enhancing competitiveness, meeting global standards, and expanding export markets.

-      Vietnam News Agency