(seafood.vasep.com.vn) From April 26 – 28, 2016, Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global (formerly the European Seafood Exposition/Seafood Processing Europe) took place in Brussels, Belgium. 23 Vietnamese enterprises joined in the Expo under the organization of VASEP according to 2016 national trade promotion program, 10 others attended the Expo under the booth of Vietnam Tuna Association in the framework of the project supporting SMEs sponsored by Swiss government and 3 enterprises participated the Expo by themselves.
Besides traditional products of frozen pangasius and shrimp, Vietnam enterprises brought to the Expo this year with new processed products with high added value like seafood spring rolls, fried breaded shrimp, ocean tuna.
In the past 20 years, Vietnam fisheries industry has risen to the 4th position in seafood export value in the world. Vietnam enterprises with high quality products and good qualifications are highly appreciated in the Expo. Vietnamese booths attracted purchasing directors of seafood importers and distributors worldwide. Remarkably, seafood spring rolls fried right at the booth by Vietnamese students attracted many visitors to taste.
On this occasion, Vietnam Trade Office in Brussels organized a meeting between missions from Directorate of Fisheries, Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)-Can Tho, some enterprises joining the Expo with Leader Board of the Belgium-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Investment and Trade Promotion Bureau of Wallone Region and some Belgium experts in seafood sector. At the meeting, all experts were highly appreciated the impressive development of Vietnam fisheries industry; however, they recommended that Vietnam enterprises should shift to sustainable development with focus of stable quality, food safety, deep processing, modern logistics and management in value chain under European standards. Mr. Nguyen Canh Cuong, Vietnam Trade Office Counselor in Brussels said that European seafood market will continue to develop and create many opportunities for Vietnam seafood enterprises. The achievements of Vietnam fisheries industry are thanks to relentless efforts of state agencies, enterprises and workers in seafood sector. The support in technologies and the consultation in regulations from the European Commission also made a significant contribution into the development of Vietnam seafood sector.
Visiting the national pavilion of Vietnam at the Expo, Vuong Thua Phong Ambassador expressed his admiration on Vietnamese businessmen, especially businesswomen who are not afraid of difficulties and risks of the terrorist attacks to go to the Expo in Belgium. He wants enterprises to unite for developing markets and building the national pavilion with larger scale and higher standard.
Written by Ngoc Thuy
Compiled by Kim Thu