(vasep.com.vn) Demanding markets such as America, Japan requiring high quality standards has been making it difficult for Vietnamese seafood exporters. Diversifying export markets is then a must. Belgium is a nominated market.
From 2009 to date, on average, Vietnam seafood exports to Belgium reached over $ 100 million/annum with major products such as shrimp (accounted for 56% of total exports), fish (with 23% ), tuna (with 7%) and octopus (with 3%).
In 1H 2014, total exports to the market were estimated at US$ 65 million, up 51% year on year. Exports of shrimp, the main export item of Vietnam to Belgium, reached US$ 42 million while pangasius exports were US$ 11 million and US$ 4 million for tuna. Particularly, in July 2014, exports to Belgium reached nearly US$ 13 million, up 54.7% compared to July 2013.
Vietnam seafood exports to Belgium is forecast to maintain 30-40% growth in 2014, with a total value of US$ 150 million.
Experts said Belgium showed a stable seafood imports trend. Belgium annually imports 280 thousand to 300 thousand MT of seafood with the value of US$ 2 billion- 3 billion. Fresh shrimp is the most imported seafood type with 25-28% of total imports, followed by frozen fillets with 23-24%, processed fish with 13%, processed mollusks with 11% and processed shrimp with 9%. This is considered a significant advantage for Vietnamese enterprises.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and the Port of Zeebrugge (Belgium) signed a project establishing a distribution center in Belgium for Vietnam pangasius to help Vietnamese businesses expand Belgian seafood market shares.
The foundation of distribution center for Vietnam seafood exports in Belgium can contribute to market transparency, increase exports value and bring higher profits to Vietnamese businesses, said VASEP Secretary General.