JEDDAH, 18 January 2008 — Vietnam aims to take larger share in booming Middle East seafood mark as the annual turnover of the country’s seafood industry crossed $3.75 billion mark in 200, reflecting a 12 percent increment as compared to 2006 figures, according to the latest reports published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developmen- Vietnam.
The seafood industry has grown to become the country’s fourth largest revenue earner, fuelling Vietnam’s position as one among the top ten exporters in the highly competitive global market. With aims of further exposing their fisheries and aquaculture products to the Middle East market, two Vietnam-based seafood producers have successfully participated in the recently concluded Sea Food Expo 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai.
Leading seafood producers Le Anh Company and Mekong Group’s participation at the expo was highlighted by a showcase of Vietnam’s renowned seafood products, which is reflective of the Vietnamese government’s aim to double its shipments to demanding markets such as the EU, US, Japan, and the Middle East.
Leveraging the outstanding participation of leading trade customers within the event, the Vietnamese participants have recognized the tremendous opportunities to carry out trade promotions, build brand awareness and highlight its capacity to address global prices and demand for sea food products. The companies’ intensified activities in the event are in line with Vietnam’s significant strides toward reaching its 2008 seafood industry annual turnover target of $4.25 billion.
“The Vietnamese Government has clearly identified the need to target the booming seafood market in the Middle East, which has emerged as a top destination for seafood exports among leading global sources across the globe,” said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events.
“As the first widely-recognized exhibition dedicated to the seafood industry in the region, we have provided emerging seafood exporters such as Vietnam a result-driven platform to establish important business ties and build their own name in the international seafood arena. More importantly, we are proud to have played a significant role in advancing a vital global industry.”
In addition to penetrating established seafood markets, Vietnam is also looking into tapping new and potential-laden seafood markets of Africa, South America, China, Canada and South Korea.
