Russia to become top importer of Vietnamese tra, basa fish

Vietnamese tra and basa fish exports to Russia, which started in 2009, have risen steadily in recent months and are expected to fetch US$100 million in revenue in 2010, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Voice of Vietnam.

Ministry official Duong Ngoc Minh says Russia is likely to become one of Vietnam's top 10 markets for sea food exports, offering even higher prices than European markets.

Experts predict the number of Vietnamese exporters to Russia will increase and new commodities will be introduced to this market.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Luong Le Phuong recommended Vietnamese businesses pay more attention to fish product quality and cut the use of ‘ice' and preservative substances from 30 percent to 15 percent. Additionally, fish stocks must be collected from semi-processing establishments that meet food hygiene standards and have proper freezing storage.

Duong Ngoc Minh adds that his ministry is closely monitoring the 10 Vietnamese businesses that export fish to Russia in terms of quality, volume, and time.