Polish businesses see meaty opportunities in Vietnam

The event was part of efforts to further strengthen trade relations between Vietnam and Poland in the context of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) being signed.

It was organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (VCCI HCM) in coordination with the Polish Chamber of Commerce Promotion Centre.

The event, held on August 8, attracted the participation of Vietnamese companies in the food industry and a Polish business delegation of 9 companies: Melwit SA, Konspol Holding Spółka, GomarPińczów Ltd., PPHU Oslonka, PPHU, Marko Walichnowy, Eurasia Trade , Ekopierożek Company, and Prima 2000 Food Service Company.

The Polish companies produce a wide range of fresh and processed foods, fresh and canned fruits, concentrated fruit extracts, beef, chicken and poultry.

The exchange was a bridge for businesses of both countries to update information about each other's markets and products.

Grzegorz Rybarski, First Counsellor (Economic Affairs) of the Polish Embassy in Vietnam, said Vietnam was an important partner for Poland and agriculture one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation. Polish food is known for its high quality and food safety and hygiene, and is exported to many countries in the EU and in the US, he noted.

Rybarski also said that Vietnam was a very important market with great potential for Polish businesses. He hoped that exports of Polish produce and food to Vietnam would increase in the coming years.

Piotr Ziemann,Vice President, The Association of Butchers and Producers of Processed Meat of the Republic of Poland, said Vietnam was one of the countries with the fastest growing economy in the region. Therefore, many big companies in Poland are keen on learning about development opportunities in the Vietnam market, he said.

The Polish Association of Meat Producers and Processors is the largest such organization in the European Union (EU) with 400 members, Ziemann said, adding that Polish beef prices were on average 17% cheaper than the EU average.

It was also noted at the event that most meat produced in Poland is exported: 85% of beef; 47% of pork; and 55% of chicken production. Poland is also the largest chicken producer in the EU.

Ziemann said that the EVFTA Agreement signed by the EU and Vietnam will create favorable conditions not only for Poland but also all EU countries in doing business with Vietnam.

He hoped that Vietnamese and Polish enterprises would strengthen cooperation to jointly exploit available advantages and potentials and expand business opportunities.