Vietnam’s share in the world honey market has increased remarkably in recent years, according to President of the Vietnam Beekeepers’ Association, Trinh Thi Huong.
Ms Huong spoke at a five-day symposium on international trade in honey in developing countries, which opened in Hanoi on November 23. She said that Vietnam has continued to facilitate the development of the honey industry. The country exported nearly 14,000 tonnes of honey in 2002, but export volume dropped sharply in the following year due to unfavourable weather conditions and quality-related issues, she said.
During the symposium, participants will exchange information on honey quality standards, markets, and scientific and technical advances in honey production. They will also propose appropriate measures to boost honey exports and discuss issues relating to international trade regulations and methods for identifying residues from herbicides.
According to Asger Soogard Jorgensen, President of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations, international trade in honey is facing challenges on tighter criteria, strict legislation and demands from consumers and importers. He added that major markets like Europe and the US are demanding higher standards in production, management, quality assurance, and control systems.
(Source: Econet, Tuoi Tre) | 
