| The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered a favourable market for Vietnamese seafood exporters of which shipments to the country increased in recent years. Vietnam exported around 600 tonnes of seafood to the UAE in 2003 and 2004 and doubled the volume in the following year. The growth was maintained over the years, resulting in 10,800 tonnes of seafood exported in 2008. After a standstill at 6,400 tonnes of seafood shipped in 2009, the country’s exports to the UAE achieved the most growth this year. According to report of Vietnam Customs, the UAE imported over 9,100 tonnes of seafood from Vietnam, worth US$21.5 million in the first seven months of 2010, up 41.6% in volume and 36.3% in value against the same period of last year. Pangasius was the main product, accounting for about 8,600 tonnes. The growth in the export of seafood to the UAE is a positive signal due to the market easing technical standards and allowing import tax exemptions because the sector was facing difficulties with its major importing markets, according to some Vietnamese seafood exporters. To date, about 68 Vietnamese businesses nationwide are engaged in exporting seafood to the UAE. (TVH) |