December 29, 2010

Vietnam to produce six million tonnes of seafood by 2015

Vietnam's aquaculture industry aims to produce six million tonnes of seafood by 2015.

In order to achieve this plan, delegates agreed to introduce changes in exploitation and processing in bays, and islands, to lessen production cost and increase competitiveness of seafood products.

According to a conference organised by The General Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in Hanoi on December 28, activities in 2010 were reviewed and a plan was defined for 2011-2015.

In 2010, total output of fisheries industry reached over 5.1 million tonnes, increasing by 3% compared to the initial target, and total exports reached nearly US$5 billion, up by 6%.

Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the General Department of Fisheries, said research needs to be promoted and it is necessary to increase the quality of seed and production technology.

He noted that to reduce risks for fishermen, the department was instructed to improve the management and create an information system for fish boats and fishermen.