Viet Nam is now the fourth largest exporter of seafood in the world, with its products available in over 170 countries and territories.

The information was released by deputy director general of the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Dinh Luan during a press briefing in Ha Noi.

He said the sector was striving to raise export value to US$10 billion this year, up over 11 per cent year-on-year.

To that end, it would continue restructuring production, effectively carrying out the national action plan and a comprehensive plan on the development of the shrimp industry till 2025, he said.

Total aquatic output topped 7.4 million tonnes last year, or a 5.6-fold increase from 1995. Meanwhile, farming surpassed 3.89 million tonnes, or a four-fold hike from 1995, while exports hit a record of more than $9 billion.

Luan said the sector would hold a number of activities in Ha Noi and the northern province of Quang Ninh to celebrate the industry’s annual day.

From March 30 – April 1, a fair and exhibition on the aquatic sector, a ceremony to release a variety of species to restore aquatic resources in the Gulf of Tonkin, and a symposium reviewing the 15-year implementation of the Viet Nam – China fishery co-operation agreement in the Gulf are planned.

A ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the aquatic sector’s traditional day will take place in Ha Noi on March 29 to honour generations of leaders and workers in the field, popularise aquatic products and expand markets, and broaden international co-operation in the field. — VNS