Seafood production grew nine percent overall, with an export value of $3.8 million (€2.9 million) since the beginning of the year. Figures from the General Statistics Office showed the contribution of aquaculture grew 19.1 percent, to 2.06 million tons. Seafood from fishing vessels grew slightly to 1.75 million tons. Doubt remains over whether Vietnamese exports will hit the $4.2 billion (€3.4 million) target for 2008, as rising labor and fuel cost woes hit the industry.
However, the increasing demand for Vietnamese surimi in Japan and for pangasius in new markets such as Russia may be enough for the country to reach the target.