Vietnam should seize opportunities to increase its exports to France, as the European country is expected to have a high demand for essential consumer goods and household utensils in 2012 and beyond, say experts.  In the face of economic slowdown, French consumers tend to accept imports at reasonable prices, opening the doors for Vietnam’s key exports, such as garments, sports shoes, rice, coffee, pepper and seafood to penetrate this demanding market.According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, although France’s economy has encountered difficulties, the exchange of goods between Vietnam and France has seen remarkable growth. In 2010, two-way trade turnover reached more than EUR2.15 billion, up 19 percent compared to 2009. Of the total, Vietnam’s exports to France fetched around EUR1.35 billion, up over 11 percent.In 2011, the total exchange value of goods between the two countries was EUR2.2 billion, up 2 percent while Vietnam’s exports to the country reached EUR1.6 billion, up 18.5 percent.Economists warn that although Vietnam’s key exports see favourable conditions in the French market, some seafood products are under strict supervision by French and EU organizations in charge of food hygiene and safety, consumer protection, and the environment.They advise seafood businesses to strictly follow regulations on food hygiene and safety and be careful about payment conditions in export contracts to avoid losses.Apart from essential goods, there is also great demand for high quality consumer goods for high-income earners and tourists in France, who have great purchasing power and can bring remarkable profit to Vietnam’s export businesses.VOV