Fisheries

General information

In 2017, seafood exports reached USD 8.3 billion, up 19% compared to 2016. Of which, shrimp accounted for the largest share with 46% of total exports, increasing 21%; Pangasius accounts for 21%, increasing nearly 4%. Exports of tuna, squid and octopus reached nearly USD 600 million, increasing respectively 16% and 42% compared to 2016. Marine fish exports reached USD 1.3 billion, increasing nearly 17%. China has surpassed the United States in the import market of Vietnamese catfish and shrimp. With a 37% increase in 2017 and an import value of up to 420 million US dollars, China is leading the pangasius market, and is the third largest shrimp import market after EU and Japan with a value of USD 677 million, increasing over 60% compared to 2016. Capacity of seafood processing in the country is growing, reaching 3 million tons of products per year. In the past, Vietnam only exported raw products, and now the percentage of products with high added value is increasing (about 35%). Products such as sushi, sashimi, surimi ... have been produced in most seafood processing factories for export.

Despite strong growth in recent years, the fisheries sector has some limitations. Many areas are scattered, lack of planning and breeding management and selection of ineffective breeding, quality of breeding is even lower. Feeds depend largely on foreign businesses. Disease often occurs; Environmental pollution of farming area is getting worse. Link between actors in the industry is poor; There is no successful linkage model yet. In addition, the system of farming area does not meet the needs of farming and transportation (electricity, water supply, transportation ...). Many products such as pangasius and shrimp exports have not met the requirements of export markets.

Organization and objectives:

PPP TF on Fisheries was established in 2010, the Directorate of Fisheries (D-FISH) and Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) are co-chairs of the TF. The members of the TF are: Viet Nam Fish Association (VINAFIS), Viet Nam Institute for Fisheries Economics and Plannning (VIFEP), German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), World Wide Fund (WWF). The Secretariat is comprised of 3 members representing D-Fish, WWF and IDH.

The goal of the group is to mobilize resources from partners to build a high quality, sustainable fisheries supply chain that is sustainable under international food safety and hygiene standards.

Key outcomes:

• Connect with enterprises in the fisheries sector and other members to review and adjust the activities of the group and set out key activities.
• Review policies and strategies for the development of Vietnam's fisheries sector in order to propose appropriate directions for sustainable fisheries development. In addition, GIZ continues to expand its content in roundtable meetings (which are initiated by the GIZ in the aquaculture sector), giving priority themes annually to address issues of essential concern for fisheries sector.
• IDH is committed to research on the sustainable development of feeds in aquaculture, research and application of epidemiological models that contribute to the reduction of disease outbreaks in aquaculture. IDH plans to develop these two contents with the strong participation of enterprises and farmers and develop into a sustainable system.

WWF Vietnam is interested in and focused on more specific issues: Support for capture fisheries in the ocean and green crab in Kien Giang have achieved international certification. Capacity building support, development of management framework for shark fishing. Follow up on the national program on marine turtle protection. WWF also supports DANIDA (Denmark) to help Vietnamese farmers in sustainable pangasius farming. In addition, WWF will also participate in the review of planning, development policies, focusing on responsible products, supporting MSC certified farmers for clam culture…

Members

MARD – Directorate of Fisheries (D-FISH) (Co-Leader) 

IDH, the Sustainable Trade Initiative (Co-Leader)

German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)

Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP)

Viet Nam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS)

Viet Nam Institute for Fisheries Economics and Planning (VIFEP)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)