GENERAL INFORMATION

In Vietnam, the fishery sector plays an important role in the national economy, accounting for about 4-5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 9-10% of national export revenue.

More than 4 millions of people working in the fishery and the growth in production have attributed to the fish exports. Thanks to strongly increase in many years, Vietnam ranks among the top ten seafood suppliers and its seafood products are exported to 170 markets in the world.

Shrimp, pangasius, tuna, squid and octopus are main seafood products exported by the country. In which, shrimp exports create about US$ 3.5 – 4 billion, make up 46-50% of the total seafood sales of Vietnam. Earnings from pangasius reached at US$ 1.7 – 1.8 billion (25% of the total) and exports from Tuna and Cephalopods are US$ 450 – 550 million for each.

Exports to the U.S, Japan, EU, China and South Korea make up 75% of Vietnam’s seafood sales to the wolrd.

5 advantages for Vietnam seafood exports:

(1) High commitment and participation from Government, Industry and companies for food safety, environment and social responsibility;

(2) Able to supply the big volume and safe quality and stable seafood products;

(3) Meet all the customers’ requirements, incl. the vertical linkage (integration) for each species sector;

(4) Vietnam is one in few countries in the world which has the good and stable labor resource;

(5) Vietnam has Agreements / FTAs with many countries and territories and has advantages both in product quality and im-ex tax.

Regulations on imports and exports to be changed

15:10 03/27/2015

(vasep.com.vn) To reduce the duration of administrative procedures for goods exports and imports down to 13-14 days in 2015, the Prime Minister adopted Resolution 19 / NQ-CP dated 12 March 2015.

The resolution issued various regulations on goods quality inspection to be amended by competent agencies.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is required to resolve problems in the implementation of Circular 48/2013 / TT-BNN. The document states that imported raw fish for processing and exporting to the European markets must be from vessels with EU codes. Phytosanitary and authorizing procedures will be more simple with shorter time.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Science and Technology amended decree on goods labeling, added more detailed guidance on recognizing standards and popular brands.