The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) expressed a differing opinion on an article posted by Bloomberg Businessweek, which gave bad image to shrimp produced in Vietnam.
The shrimp export value to US reach USD500 million per year
The article, entitled, "Asian Seafood Raised on Pig Feces Approved for U.S.Consumers” published on October 11 concluded that quality of shrimp produced in Vietnam was low.
After receiving the information, VASEP immediately sent letter to ask the author to make corrections.
Shrimp, the highest-grossing export product coming from Vietnam, has reached a total of USD2 billion per year, and the industry exports to nearly 90 countries.
The US is the second biggest market for Vietnam, second only to Japan, with total export value of USD500 million per year, making up a quarter of the entire country's shrimp export. All imports to the US are regularly checked by the US Food and Drug Administration.
However, according to VASEP, "One company with bad quality standards that no longer operates has tainted the reputation of the entire shrimping industry for Vietnam."
VASEP made their disagreement with the article, saying that it was not in the true spirit of free trade and accusing the author of having a protectionist agenda. They added that the article could have severe and long-term effects on the industry in Vietnam.
On the same day, the well-known website focusing on aqua-products called ubcomtell.com released a video clip which said, "Bloomberg blew it big-time."
John Sackton, President and publisher of Seafood.com News, said the article lacks an overall understanding of the seafood industry in Vietnam, which has improved quality greatly in recent years.
According to statistics from the US Food and Drug Administration, in the third quarter of 2012 there was 57% drop in rejections of imports from China and Vietnam compared to last year.
