Bac Lieu cooks up plans for first-ever shrimp festival

At a press conference on April 27, Nguyen Viet Thang, head of the organizing board, said the goal of the – VietShrimp International Fair –  is to promote the positive social and economic impact of the shrimp industry on the citizens of the region.

“We specifically want to educate the public about shrimp and its importance to the local economy and publicize the wide variety of seafood indigenous to Vietnam as well as provide the opportunity for people to enjoy it,” said Mr Thang.

Seafood offerings will include both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp, along with plenty of traditional Vietnamese fish and seafood fare and beverages of all types – soft drinks, craft beer and wine as well as coffee and tea, said Mr Thang.

The event is expected to draw about 150 exhibitors and additionally showcase the work of Vietnamese photographers, displaying more than 100 select photos reflecting the working life of fishermen, said Mr Thang, who is also chairman of the Vietnam Fisheries Association

The gallery will be open throughout the three-day day event and there is no admission to view the exhibit, he said.

Le Anh Xuan, director of Truc Anh JSC, said the event also provides an excellent opportunity to boost tourism and recreation in Bac Lieu City and surrounding region as well as highlight the region’s inherent natural beauty.

“We want to get the word out that the VietShrimp International Fair is an all-Vietnamese family weekend of food and fun not to be missed, and festival planners hope to exceed expectations and hold a festival that is bigger, better and more fun than ever,” he said.