January 7, 2012

Vietnam sees 2012 seafood exports to rise to US$6.5 billion

Vietnam estimates to earn about US$6.5 billion from 2012 seafood exports, increasing 6.5% on-year, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Fisheries Directorate.

The country targets to produce 5.35 million tonnes of seafood, including 2.2 million tonnes from catching and the remaining 3.15 million tonnes from aquatic cultivation, the agency said.

In order to reach the goals, the agency will review the growing areas to prevent disease outbreak as well as take measures for sustainable cultivation.

The country will also focus on supporting fishermen and protect the aquatic resources.

In 2011, the country earned $6.11 billion from exporting seafood in 2011, increasing 21% from the previous year, said the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

Of the total, shrimp exports contributed US$2.4 billion, US$1.805 billion from pangasius fish, US$520.3 million from cuttlefish and US$379.4 million from tuna.