October 29, 2007

Japan spent US$400 million in Vietnamese seafood

Japan bought US$400 million on Vietnamese seafood exports so far this year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP).

The good figures were due to the joint efforts by the National Fisheries Quality Assurance and Veterinary Directorate (Nafiqaved) and VASEP. The two agencies are working together to prevent the use of banned chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture as well as to control over material inspections.

Works has centred on the applications of food safety and hygiene standards at farms breeding shellfish, processing plants and freezing facilities.

Only seafood producers who meet requirements on food safety and hygiene set by the Fisheries Ministry are qualified to export to Japan.

According to experts, meeting food safety and hygiene standards are key factors to helping Vietnam fulfil its target of exporting US$3.6 billion worth of seafood in 2007.