Fishery sector needs overall development strategy

Haiphong (VNA) - The fishery sector needs an overall strategy to ensure the its sustainable development and match its potential, said an official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Discussing the formulation of such a strategy for the industry to 2020 at a
seminar in Hai Phong on Mar. 31, Prof. Dr. Le Tieu La, deputy director of the
Vietnam Fisheries Economics and Planning Institute under the MARD, said the lack
of a development strategy caused many difficulties to farmers in aquaculture and
sale of products.

He also pointed to the poor infrastructure and low competitiveness of the sector.

To achieve this year's objectives, the MARD asked localities to ensure hygiene and
food safety in aquaculture areas, expand shrimp raising areas, adjust the
production of tra catfish and shrimp and strive to attract investment to improve
aquaculture facilities.

Over the past 20 years, the fishery industry has developed markedly, obtaining an
annual growth rate of 6-10 percent in the 1985-2008, increasing its output from
1.16 million tonnes in 1985 to 4.6 million tonnes in 2008.

This year, the industry aims at an export turnover of 4 billion USD.-Enditem