Seafood industry overcoming challenges: Targeting $10.5 billion in exports for 2024

During the event, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien acknowledged the significant challenges the seafood industry has faced, particularly the damage from Storm No. 3, which resulted in over VND 6 trillion in losses. Despite these setbacks, seafood export earnings reached around $7.2 billion during the first nine months of 2024, with the annual target set at $10.5 billion.

The Deputy Minister noted that the northern region suffered the most damage, while the southern provinces, where most aquaculture activities are concentrated, continued to see growth. He urged localities unaffected by natural disasters to ramp up production to help compensate for the losses in the north.

Tran Dinh Luan, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, highlighted that the industry has taken steps to recover, such as transitioning to seaweed farming in the hardest-hit areas. This approach is viewed as promising since seaweed farming requires low investment and holds potential in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

The MARD also encouraged local authorities to adopt flexible aquaculture methods, making use of coastal and river areas to farm species such as shrimp, fish, oysters, and mollusks. The northern provinces that were severely impacted have also received support, including 1 million seaweed seedlings to help restart production.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien expressed optimism that with strong efforts from MARD and collaboration from local governments, the seafood industry will overcome its challenges and meet the export targets. He called on southern provinces to increase the production of shrimp, fish, and mollusks to compensate for the reduced output in the north, and to take advantage of rising seafood prices.

In addition, disease control in aquaculture remains a key focus. In the first nine months of 2024, the area affected by diseases decreased by about 30% compared to the same period last year. However, challenges remain in managing diseases affecting shrimp and pangasius, particularly white spot disease and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease.

Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health, emphasized the need for proactive disease prevention, especially by ensuring the quality of aquatic breeds and feed to prevent outbreaks. He also stressed the importance of strengthening quarantine measures during transportation to maintain the quality of aquaculture breeds and encouraged further development of vaccines for shrimp and fish.

In summary, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien reaffirmed that despite facing numerous obstacles, the seafood industry is steadily recovering and pursuing sustainable growth. With the coordinated efforts of MARD, businesses, and local authorities, the goal of reaching $10.5 billion in exports by the end of 2024 is well within reach.

VFM