Fisheries sector aiming at 10 billion USD in export value

In the first half of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the production and development of the fisheries sector, especially the export of seafood products due to lower demand in export markets.

On July 14, Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish) held a Conference to review the sector’s performance in the first 6 months of 2020. According to D-Fish, in the first half of 2020, production value of the whole sector increased by 2.79% (2020 target is 5.4%). Total production was estimated at 3.86 million tons (up 1.6% compared to the same period in 2019).

Compared to the target for the first 6 months of 2020, the total sector’s output reaches 99.1%. Notably, export value in the first 6 months was estimated at 3.56 billion USD, equivalent to 91.4% of the same period last year and reaching 35.6% of the plan.

D-Fish strived to complete the assigned targets for the year 2020, specifically: Total production of fisheries products of over 8.56 million tons (of which catches reaching 3.9 million tons and aquaculture production reaching 4.66 million tons); export turnover reaching 10 billion USD.

Speaking at the Conference, Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, Director General of D-Fish analyzed, about brackish shrimp production. Since the beginning of the year, due to negative weather conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic, many shrimp hatcheries witness productivity decrease by 50%. Some establishments had to suspend their operation either due to labour shortage or failing to sell shrimp seed. However, since the end of April, thanks to favorable weather conditions as well as increase in demand, many facilities have been able to accelerate the production.

The area of ​​shrimp raised by the end of June was estimated at 612 thousand ha (98.9% compared to that of the same period last year and 84% compared to the target in 2020). In terms of price, in June, the price of white shrimp (sized 100 pieces/kg) priced at 95,000 - 100,000 VND, an increase of 15,000 - 20,000 VND/kg compared to 3 months ago. Black tiger shrimp (sized 30 pieces/kg) priced at 200,000 - 230,000 VND, an increase of 30,000 - 40,000 VND/kg.

For pangasius products, pangasius seed production in the first 6 months in the Mekong Delta provinces was relatively stable. In the whole Mekong Delta region, there are more than 200 establishments producing pangasius seeds (establishments raising parent pangasius). Pangasius production by the end of June 2020 was estimated at 587.3 thousand tons, equivalent to 86.5% of the same period last year, 36% of the target in 2020.

"Notably, the price of pangasius seed in the Mekong Delta was constantly low, ranging from 18,000 to 19,000 VND/kg (for sized 700-800 pieces/unit), while production cost ranged from 21,000 to 22,000 VND/kg, down 40% compared to the same period in 2019, "Mr. Luan said.

Looking back at the whole fisheries industry in the first half of the year, the head of D-Fish said that the whole sector had timely adjusted the aquaculture season, directing localities to strengthen control of fishing vessels at ports, ensuring pandemic prevention while ensuring not to affect production and exploitation activities, and avoiding fishing ships ashore during the disease outbreak.

However, Mr. Tran Dinh Luan also acknowledged that the shortage of labor in aquaculture and fishing sectors both in quantity and quality, especially skilled workers, affected fishery production activities. In addition, the application of technological and technical advances in the sector, especially the application of product preservation and reduction of post-harvest losses, had been gradually improved but had not yet been able to met development needs.

"Because there is no database system and information connection between ports, Sub-Departments and D-Fish have faced numerous difficulties in the certification and exploitation of raw materials for fishing, affecting advisory work on industry management, "Mr. Luan said.

D-Fish forecasted that in the last 6 months of the year, fisheries resources will decrease in both quantity and quality. The COVID-19 pandemic situation will remain unpredictable while drought and saltwater intrusion continue to affect aquaculture in some areas ...

Source: VGP