March 29, 2010

Vietnam's seafood exports rise in Q1

Vietnam's export turnover from the seafood sector in the first quarter of the year was up 3% to US$771 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The surge in export revenues from tra fish and frozen shrimp in the first quarter increased the likelihood that the annual export target of US$4.5 billion set for the sector this year would be achieved, reported the ministry.

Total seafood output in the first quarter reached 1.97 million tonnes, with offshore fishing increased by 1.1% from the same period last year to 620,000 tonnes, while aquaculture production rose by 14.9% to 477,000 tonnes, according to MARD.

Favourable weather over the past three months had facilitated sea fishing, officials said.

In addition, farmers in many localities had resumed breeding of tra fish, shrimp and other marine products, increasing seafood production.

The ministry has ordered local authorities to strengthen inspections and check breed quality to prevent epidemics.