After receiving an EU yellow card against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Vietnam’s seafood exports to that market dropped sharply. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac, chairwoman of the VASEP Marine Product Committee (VMPC), talked about the issue in an interview with Vietnam Economic News’ Mai Ca and Hau Ty.

Hanoi has supported many cities and provinces in introducing and promoting their outstanding products in the capital city’s markets and export channels. However, to help local specialties add economic value to their products, more efforts and cooperation are needed among ministries and sectors to resolve shortcomings in marketing, promotion and brand development.

Vietnam’s agricultural sector is gearing up to prepare for the major changes expected with the entry into force of two unique, new-generation trade agreements - the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Exports to Myanmar, including food products, raw materials for foodstuff processing, electronics, household electrical appliances, construction materials, and information technology (IT) and telecommunication products are expected to increase.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Siluriformes fish (catfish) inspection regulations to list Vietnam as a country eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the US.

A Ministry of Industry and Trade report to the National Assembly shows that Vietnamese exports have expanded in terms of market and product structure, contributing significantly to the country’s export value growth.

Vietnam exported US$9 billion more in goods and services than it imported in 2019, an achievement partially attributed to the country’s efficient use of signed free trade agreements (FTAs).

Despite an average drop of 20 percent in coffee export prices and revenue, the prices of organic and processed coffee are still sustainable and there’s even a shortage of supplies for export. To offset the drop in green coffee export prices, Vietnam’s coffee sector is targeting development of high quality brands.

Experts believe there will be more cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese and Indian companies if the two sides increase connection activities and assist each other in market access.

Vietnam’s ST25 rice surpassed many other rice varieties from other countries to win first prize in the World’s Best Rice Contest 2019 within the framework of the November World Rice Conference in Manila, the Philippines. The title, following decades of branding, has delivered a boost to the country’s rice exports.

The Trade and Industry Promotion Center of Bac Giang Province completed all its assigned plans for 2019, helping local enterprises acquire equipment, innovate technologies and develop brands. This year it continues its efforts to improve production and business efficiency in the northeastern province.

In 2019, fierce competition in foreign markets pushed down the price of Vietnamese seafood exports, which fell short of their revenue target. Vietnam Economic News’ Thuy Duong spoke about this with Truong Dinh Hoe, Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).