The two-day seminar was one of six organised by the WWF to build standards for certification of aqua products and is the first to be held in Viet Nam, where 90 percent of “tra” and “basa” catfish growing takes place.

In 2007, Viet Nam is forecast to produce close to 1 million tonnes of “tra” and “basa” catfish.

According to statistics compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the world’s total catfish output was 10,000 tonnes in 1995 and hit 440,000 tonnes in 2005. The sharp increase in industry output created quality and environmental concerns.

Viet Nam’s “tra” and “basa” catfish is exported to 80 countries and territories worldwide. The US used to enjoy a 80 percent export share but that has been supplanted by the EU in recent years.