Aquatic export expected to hit 9 billion USD in 2018

The Directorate of Fisheries has set a seafood export value of 9 billion USD for 2018, as heard at a conference held on January 16 by the sector to set out its 2018 tasks (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Directorate of Fisheries has set a seafood export value of 9 billion USD for 2018, as heard at a conference held on January 16 by the sector to set out its 2018 tasks.

The sector also targets a total yield of 7 – 7.5 million tonnes, of which 4 million tonnes come from aquatic farms. 

At the function, Acting Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries Nguyen Ngoc Oai put forth a number of measures for the sector, including carrying out random inspections of input materials, building sets of standards for different areas, reforming administrative procedures, and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Vietnam.

Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam said the 9-billion-USD goal is achievable, suggesting the sector focus on value-added increase and quantity reduction in aquatic exploitation.

He said there is a need to develop the shrimp industry and seeks markets for Tra fish.

He stressed between now and June 30, the sector ought to implement anti-IUU measures recommended by the EU in order to remove the warning under the European Commission’s “yellow card”.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, head of the Directorate’s Department for Science, Technology and International Cooperation, pointed to amendments of legal frameworks relating to fishing ports, inspections of fishing vessels, and international cooperation as potential solutions to the “yellow card”