An international exhibition to help boost the capacity of sectors involved in meat, fish and animal products - ILDEX Vietnam 2010 - kicked off in HCM City on March 25.

The expo drew over 180 enterprises from 27 countries and territories to show off their latest products and technologies in the area of livestock, dairy, meat processing and aquaculture.

Within its timeframe, which will lasts until March 27, there will be various activities, including networking events, workshops, and meetings among enterprises to share experience.

ILDEX Vietnam 2010 is expected to be a good occasion to promote the image of Vietnamese people and the fast-developing livestock and aquaculture industries of Vietnam .

It is also hoped to help foreign investors better understand Vietnam ’s policies on developing farming and aquaculture, find appropriate partners and make better-informed investment decisions.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ladda Mongkolchaivivat, CEO of the Thailand-based event organiser N.C.C, said Vietnam is one of the largest meat processors in Southeast Asia .

Annual meat consumption in the country is around 40 kg per person, which she said is above Asia ’s average level, and is likely to increase to 57 kg by 2020.

The expo is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors over the course of the event./.