December 26, 2006

Vietnam catfish exports to reach US$ 660 million

Vietnam's earnings from tra and basa (catfish) exports this year are estimated to reach US$ 660 million, according to the Vietnam Association for Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Vietnamese catfish is now sold in 70 countries, with 50 countries more than four years ago, the association said.

The EU is the biggest market of Vietnamese catfish, representing 46.9 percent of the consumption, followed by Russia with 11.2 percent, and the US with 9.8 percent.

In 2007, the VASEP will develop community-based organisations of breeding management, and concentrated breeding areas. The association will also focus on multiplying breeds, and applying biotechnology in a bid to develop tra and basa catfish products in accordance with its strategy to develop fisheries sector in the 2007-2010 period.