Phu Quoc island district in the southern province of Kien Gianghosted a ceremony on August 19 to receive the Protected Designation ofOrigin (PDO) certificate that the European Union granted to the localfish sauce specialty.

Speaking at theceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said PhuQuoc fish sauce is the first product of Vietnam to get the status,which means the trademark will be protected at markets of 28 EU’s membercountries.

She added that the recognitionnot only helps raise the brand’s prestige and create a strong base forthe product in the EU market , but also contributes to promotingthe product to international markets.

PhuQuoc, the biggest island of Kien Giang province, has been wellknown for long for its fish sauce. Fish sauce manufacturing in Phu Quochas a history of more than 200 years.

The island currently has 80 fish sauce processing businesses which provide about 20 million litres per year.
In order to maintain its foothold in EU and other markets, fish sauceproducers in the locality are recommended to further ensure theirproducts’ quality, while renovating design and preventing trade fraud.

Phu Quoc fish sauce is the eleventh non-EU productname to receive the protected status, following Colombian coffee, IndianDarjeeling tea and eight Chinese products.-VNA