(VOVworld) - The 2014 Vietnam International Fisheries Exhibition and Trade Fair (Vietfish) opened on Wednesday in Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition, organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), drew 302 stands from 170 businesses involved in the seafood processing industry, machinery and equipment manufacturing and related services. Scores of leading trade partners to Vietnam’s seafood industry from Japan, the US, Thailand, Singapore, and Europe took part in the event. This was an opportunity for Vietnam’s seafood sector to expand markets, and promote exports in the hope of reaching a turnover of around 7 billion USD this year. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said at the event: "The Ministry of Industry and Trade supports the effort by VASEP, local authorities and Vietnam’s seafood businesses to build and promote their trademarks. This will assure sustainable development and promote Vietnam’s seafood to the world".