As the major pangasius producer in the region, Vietnam is supposed to lay the groundwork for certification of  pangasius aquaculture products in the near future, according to the outcome of the Pangasius Aquaculture Dialogue held last month in Ho Chi Minh City.

More than 70 producers and buyers agreed that there is an urgent need to certify pangasius aquaculture products.

Tra and basa, the two major market species in the pangasius family were among the focus of the dialogue that took place 20 to 27 September. Vietnam is at present set to produce nearly one million tonnes of pangasius this year to meet the global aquaculture industry demand.

Pangasius farming is one of the fastest growing among fish species, however, other aquaculture products such as salmon, shrimp, tilapia, mollusks and trout will also have to be certified in the future and dialogues are now underway.

Vietnam is also looking to develop a reliable and identifiable national level brand name to promote a higher platform for its seafood on the world market, though some seafood companies are unwilling to commit to a national brand.