Seafood sector sets low export target for 2020

Workers are seen at a fish processing factory in the Mekong Delta. Market watchers say the export revenue target of US$8-9 billion by 2020 is modest for the local seafood sector - PHOTO: TRUNG CHANH

CAN THO - The Government has set a modest export revenue target of US$8-9 billion for the seafood industry in 2020, which is seen low as the sector can fetch US$8 billion this year.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last week signed Decision 1434/QD-TTg approving a sustainable aquaculture development program in the 2016-2020 period.

Accordingly, the sector is expected to produce 6.5-7 million tons of aquaculture products a year and obtain an annual growth rate of 6% between now and 2020.

Speaking with the Daily, Truong Dinh Hoe, general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said he was surprised by the target and that the country could easily achieve US$8 billion from seafood export this year.

Hoe added that the most important mission of the sector in the coming time is to develop supply chains to meet food safety and hygiene standards.

Tran Van Pham, general director of Soc Trang Seafood JSC (STAPIMEX), said the target is achievable if Vietnam has good policies on material import, and shrimp and tra fish farming.

Pham was even upbeat that the export earnings of the local aquaculture sector may reach US$15 billion by 2025.

Under the Prime Minister’s decision, local aquaculture is to become a sizeable economic sector with an effective and competitive production system to integrate into the global economy. The sector should also help protect natural resources and environment, raise farmers’ income and living standards, and ensure national defense and security, according to local media reports.

Another task is to invest in farms in the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta and central coastal provinces to produce tiger and white-legged shrimp, tra fish, tilapia and oyster meeting VietGap standards.

Breeding centers should be also promptly invested to supply high-quality breeds with strong disease resistance.

As for processing and trading, the sector should focus on developing value added products, building brands for shrimp, tra fish, tilapia and tuna, reviving and promoting traditional fishing villages, and expanding export markets by removing trading obstacles.