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A “Golden” chance for Vietnam pangasius in 2012?
According to Duong Ngoc Minh, Chairman - General Director of Hung Vuong Corporation and Vice Chairman of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), 2012 will offer a “golden” chance for Vietnam pangasius industry. Pangasius export is predicted to keep growing and reach value of US$1.8 – 2 billion. Pangasius exporters all set their business targets for the new year. However, that the industry could reach this perspective depends largely on policies launched by the government.
In 2012, financial crisis continues to challenge Vietnam seafood exporters; however, they also could turn these challenges to advantages for pangasius export. So what are opportunities that local companies could catch up?
Firstly, the EU – a traditional market of Vietnam seafood – is grappling with economic difficulties that will be more competitive for seafood products in regional markets. Therefore, with good quality and reasonable prices, pangasius from Vietnam has a chance to compete with chicken and other popular food in Europe.
Secondly, prices of rice and soy bean - which are used to produce animal feed - are expected to decrease 15 percent, leading to a sharp drop in feed prices. This will encourage Vietnam fish producers to invest in fish farming.
Moreover, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has confirmed that Vietnam pangasius was safe for human consumption and the local fish industry is developing in a sustainable way. Besides, pangasius is certified by other certification bodies such as ASC, GlobalGAP and VietGAP for its quality and food safety. Recently, WWF has supported Hung Vuong Corp on upgrading its two fish farms in areas of 60 hectares with total production of 60 thousand MT per year. These farming areas will be granted ASC certificate by June 2012.
In 2012, Vietnam government will kick off its policies on stabilizing macro economy, keeping inflation at 9 percent and reducing bank loan rate. This might create good encouragements for local firms to invest in production.
According to Mr. Minh, in 2012, Vietnam enterprises will turn their shipments to emerging markets such as Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Algeria, Angola, and Africa… Exports to traditional markets like the EU and the U.S. will keep growing.
Đinh Hà
vasep
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