SEAFOOD 

Vietnam rakes in more dollars 
from the bounty exports of the Mekong
Posted 12  May 2008

Vietnam has achieved significant socio-economic growth over the last 10 years. The performance of various industry sectors particularly exports is responsible for Vietnam’s quick pace of development.

The Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) received a report, dated 30 April 2008 from the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi as coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, highlighting the seafood export performance of Vietnam in 2007 as compared to the previous year.

The report’s valuable data as well as the interesting information on the potential of 2 types of catfish, the  Pangasius bocourti called “basa” in Vietnamese and the  Pangasius hypophthalmus called “tra” will be beneficial to breeders and producers of the Philippine aquaculture sector.

The major markets of the world such as the EU, U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea, and Russia have posted an increased demand for Vietnam’s seafood processed products and consequently, the seafood industry in Vietnam has taken steps to improve the quality of said products in compliance to the standards set by importing countries.

With this market development, Vietnam has emerged as the 5th largest producer of fishery products, globally.  It is not surprising to discover that Vietnamese seafood has become available in 130 countries.   Aquatic product exports are expected to reach more than 4.1 million tonnes net in 2008. 

Vietnam expects Pangasius (catfish) fillets to be available all year round with processing to be done by its 500 seafood processing facilities.

In the U.S. Catfish is the 5th most popular seafood next to shrimp, tuna, and pollocks.

Pangasius is a fresh water fish raised in the flowing waters of the Mekong delta in Vietnam. It belongs to the family of catfish with more than 20 different species native in the Mekong River. It is called Pangasiidae or “Shark catfish” because of its sharp dorsal fins.

Catfish meat is white with firm texture and with relatively light smell and taste. As with most type of fish and other seafood products, catfish is also an all-time favorite in Vietnam.  Catfish fillets are boneless and therefore, easy to prepare into rolls, and cooked by frying or grilling.

For more information on this article, please send your e-mail to betpasea@dti.gov.ph or contact the BETP-ASEAN Division thru tel. nos. (632)8904723 ext. 210, 242, and 243.

Disclaimer:  The articles posted and/or contained herein is provided for general information only.   The Bureau of Export Trade Promotion does not represent or warrant that the information is accurate, authentic or complete. You must not rely on this as a statement of government policy. You should assess whether the information is accurate, authentic or complete and where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.