A Vietnam Seafood Festival will be held for the first time aiming to create a chance to boost cooperation and trade between domestic and foreign businesses, helping increase exports and build Vietnam ’s seafood trademark.

At a press conference held in Hanoi on March 31, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho city People’s Committee To Minh Gioi, Head of the festival’s Organising Board, said that the festival, which will take place in the Mekong Delta city from April 24-27, is a large socio-economic and cultural event for the Mekong Delta in particular and the whole country in general.

It will make an important contribution to increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products on the world market, he said.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Luong Le Phuong, the festival aims to seek new opportunities for Vietnam ’s seafood sector, especially as it is facing many challenges under the increasing competitive pressure that comes with international economic integration.

Nearly 20 economic and cultural activities will be held during the festival, including a 500-booth fair exhibiting Vietnamese seafood products. To date more than 200 businesses and localities have registered to attend the fair.

A seminar entitled “Vietnamese Seafood: Potential, Cooperation and Development” will focus on five topics, including aquatic farming in Vietnam, future offshore fishing, seafood exports, building up brand names and logistical services for the sector.

The Organising Board will present the “2009 Outstanding Vietnamese Seafood Enterprise” Award to those which have shown excellence in overcoming difficulties stemming from the global economic crisis over the past year./.