Positive signals for chicken exports to Japan

Japanese consumers have reacted favorably to poultry products from Vietnam, raising expectations of opportunities for Vietnam to promote chicken exports and develop its poultry farming sector. 

From the beginning of 2018 to July 12, the Kyou & Unitek Co., Ltd exported 600 tonnes of processed chicken to Japan. To meet growing importer demand, in late 2017 the company installed two new processing lines in order to increase capacity and diversify products. Also in late 2017, the CP Vietnam Corporation and the Leow Casing Vietnam Co., Ltd requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Department of Animal Health to negotiate with its Japanese counterpart the export of processed chicken and dry-salted hog sausage casings to Japan.

On May 14, 2018, the Animal Health Division of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sent a letter to its Vietnamese counterpart, informing their acceptance of vet hygiene conditions and quarantine certificates for processed chicken and sausage casings made from animal intestines. From May 27 to June 2, a delegation of officials from the division took a fact-finding trip to Vietnamese processors whose products are destined for Japan. It also allowed Koyu & Unitek to expand exports of poultry meat and processed products to the country from June 15. It is considering CP Vietnam’s and Leow Casing’s applications.

Agricultural experts believe successful exports to Japan will open opportunities for Vietnam to boost chicken exports to other markets, helping reduce farmer dependence on the domestic market.

Besides chicken, Deputy Head of the Vietnamese Department of Animal Health Dam Xuan Thanh said more support will also be given to pork manufacturing chains to prevent epidemics, such as foot-and-mouth disease and hog cholera, to help them ensure food safety and promote exports to potential markets.

The department will also promote trade and work with authorities in China, Hong Kong (China), the Republic of Korea, Australia, Russia, the US, Mexico and Saudi Arabia to lift bans on importing animals and their products, he said.