Raising product value, promoting sustainable development

The Viet Nam International Seafood Exhibition - Vietfish 2026 opened on the morning of August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Innovation and Sustainability”. The event runs through August 21 and is organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Vietfish 2026 features 568 booths operated by 335 domestic and international businesses. Exhibitors and representatives from 17 countries and territories are taking part, including the United States, Germany, Italy, Norway, Israel, Türkiye, Japan, South Korea and China. Organizers expect the event to attract more than 13,000 trade and international visitors.

The exhibition serves as a platform connecting businesses, buyers, experts, regulators and partners across the seafood value chain. Products and services on display include processed seafood, value-added products, machinery, equipment, packaging, aquaculture technology, feed, quality control solutions and traceability systems.

Amid increasingly stringent international trade regulations, Vietfish 2026 places a strong focus on enhancing product value. Businesses are seeking to shift from raw exports toward deeper processing and develop Ready-to-eat and Ready-to-cook products for modern retail, restaurants, hotels and e-commerce.

Sustainability is also a central theme throughout the exhibition. Businesses have opportunities to learn about solutions for implementing ESG standards, developing carbon-emission reduction roadmaps, improving energy efficiency and adopting environmentally friendly packaging.

Supply chain transparency remains a key priority. Traceability solutions, responsible aquaculture practices and compliance with regulations on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing are showcased, alongside updates on requirements in import markets.

Notably, for the first time, VASEP has partnered with TikTok Shop and Foodmap to organize live-streamed sales sessions at the event. The initiative aims to bring deeply processed seafood products closer to younger consumers.

Another highlight of Vietfish 2026 is a series of B2B business-matching activities, including a domestic seafood supply-and-demand connection program and an international B2B program. These provide opportunities for businesses to meet domestic distribution systems, retailers, food service and HoReCa channels, as well as international buyers.

Alongside trade activities, the exhibition features five specialized seminars. Discussions focus on global seafood market trends, the future workforce, green technologies for aquaculture and processing, GSA/BAP standards, regulations in key markets, and opportunities for Viet Nam-China seafood trade cooperation.

Through these seminars, businesses can gain further insight into changes in import markets, providing a basis for them to take a more proactive approach to production planning, technology investment and market development.

VASEP strengthens its role in connecting businesses and expanding international cooperation

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang emphasized that, after 26 consecutive editions since 1999, Vietfish has continued to grow and established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading seafood exhibitions in terms of scale and reputation. Vietfish is evidence of the development, innovation and integration of Vietnam’s seafood industry.

Seafood has long been one of Vietnam’s important export sectors. Over the years, the industry has established its position in global markets, developed a capable processing business network and participated more deeply in international supply chains. Many Vietnamese seafood products are now available in markets with stringent quality requirements.

2025 marked a particularly significant milestone for the industry. Seafood export turnover reached USD 11.3 billion, up 12.4% from 2024. Many product groups, including shrimp, pangasius, squid, octopus, mollusks, crab and other seafood, recorded positive results.

This performance was achieved in a year when global trade faced numerous uncertainties and competition in international markets intensified. Requirements for quality, traceability and sustainable development also continued to increase.

Entering 2026, the seafood industry has maintained positive growth momentum amid rising sea freight costs. In the first seven months of 2026, seafood exports reached nearly USD 6.9 billion, up 12.8% year on year.

Behind the billions of US dollars in annual export turnover are production, aquaculture, fishing and seafood processing activities spread across numerous localities. The sector also provides livelihoods for a significant number of people, along with thousands of businesses, production establishments and workers.

From an industry once heavily reliant on fishing, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually developed stronger capabilities in deep processing, diversified its products, increased value added and become increasingly proactive in meeting stringent market standards.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade highly values VASEP’s contribution to the development of the industry. Over many years of operation, VASEP has become a bridge between the business community and State management agencies, as well as between Vietnamese businesses and importers, associations and international organizations.

On export-related issues, VASEP consolidates businesses’ opinions, provides data, analyzes impacts and conveys information to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant ministries and agencies.

According to Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang, the seafood export environment is entering a period of considerable challenges. International trade is placing pressure on quality, technology, value addition, policy adaptability and the sustainability of supply chains. Building on the foundation already established, Vietnam’s seafood industry is expected to further strengthen its position in global markets.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue working with VASEP and the seafood business community to address difficulties related to import and export activities, provide market information, address trade barriers, and support businesses in accessing and maintaining export markets.

The Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade expressed her confidence that Vietfish 2026 will continue to serve as an effective bridge and a venue bringing together advanced technologies, innovative solutions and sustainable development models for the industry. The event provides an opportunity for businesses to promote their brands, seek partners, expand markets, strengthen investment cooperation and facilitate technology transfer between Vietnam and countries and territories around the world.