Vietnam’s total seafood export to the Middle East stood over $141 million, in the first half of the year, the export value representing a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2010.

The trade report was released by Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) in line with their participation at Sial Middle East, an international trade show for the food, drink and hospitality industry, set to take place from November 21 -23 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

According to the report data, total seafood export to the Middle East in the year 2010 reached $236 million. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE remain the top three import markets for Vietnam seafood in the region, throughout 2010 and 2011.

Frozen pangasius has been the top strategic export product to the region with a growth of 10 percent in volume and 24 percent in value, followed by frozen shrimp and canned tuna.

Abundant domestic supply, stable price and low cholesterol content are favourable conditions to boost the export of pangasius to the region, the statement said.

Kim Ngan, promotion vice director of Vasep, said: “Seafood exports of Vasep members represent 80 percent of Vietnam’s total seafood export. Sial Middle East becomes far more important in B2B markets with a multiplier effect to our seafood industry. Vietnam seafood pavilion at the show will bring in major seafood enterprises to develop their market share substantially across the globe, including the Middle East, as we see growing consumption of seafood in the region in late months of the year.”

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE are the top three importers of Vietnam’s seafood in the region throughout 2010 and 2011.

In 2010, Egypt ranked first with seafood import of 30 million tonnes, worth $65 million. Saudi Arabia came second with 21 million tonnes valued at $41 million. UAE came in third with 13 million tonnes of seafood import valued at $32 million.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade’s latest food trade report, the UAE imported a total of 132 thousand tons of seafood products in 2010. The value of these imports reached over $298 million (Dh1 billion). Its re-exported seafood products stood over $20 million (Dh74 million) in 2010.

Mohammed Hilal Al Muheiri, director general of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), said: “Sial Middle East is one of the most important food exhibitions in the region and an exceptional opportunity for the international food companies to present and promote their products in the region’s markets.”

Vasep stated they were aiming Vietnam’s global seafood exports to hit $5.5 billion this year.

During H1 2011, global seafood exports reached $3 billion, with US, Japan, Korea, China and Germany being the largest importers of Vietnamese seafood.

“Our seafood industry has witnessed an impressive growth globally in the past few years, thanks to higher export price, strong demand from international markets and application of advanced quality management systems,” Ngan said.

Vasep will also organise a seminar at Sial Middle East to exchange information with the region’s importers and distributors.

More than 12,000 trade visitors from 80 countries are expected to attend this year as the event where 70 percent of the exhibitors and the food products on display will be seen for the first time in the region.

It will also host 500 key food buyers from the region under its Sial Middle East Purchasers Club programme, which has been created to match food, beverage and equipment buyers with relevant exhibitors to help facilitate business. – TradeArabia News Service