Ornamental fish in tanks. The HCM City earned $17.58 million from exports of 16.25 million ornamental fish in the first 10 months of the year, a rise of 20.7 per cent over the same period. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngoc Ha

HCM City authorities aim to export about 40-50 million ornamental fish worth US$40-50 million by 2020.

This year, HCM City aims to export a total of 18-20 million ornamental fish valued at $20-25 million, up 15 per cent against last year.

The city earned $17.58 million from exports of 16.25 million ornamental fish in the first 10 months of the year, a rise of 20.7 per cent over the same period, according to its municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Last year its exports were worth more than $12 million. Currently, the city has about 290 households and ornamental fish breeders and breeding ponds covering a total of 88ha, mostly in districts 9, 12, Binh Chanh, and Cu Chi.

The main export markets for the ornamental-fish industry are the EU, the US and other Asian countries.

One of the key promotional events is the Ornamental Fish Festival 2017, which was held on November 9-13. Companies producing ornamental fish will promote their brands to find customers and introduce models, according to Pham Thiet Hoa, director of the city’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre.

To expand the domestic market and increase export markets for ornamental fish, the city plans to upgrade breeding infrastructure and boost promotions of brands for its ornamental-fish businesses.

It also plans to open a website in an aim to increase online transactions for businesses in need and provide assistance in advertising to seven establishments in the city. — VNS