GENERAL INFORMATION

Vietnam, with a coastline of over 3,260 kilometers (km) and more than 3,000 islands and islets scattered offshore, plus up to 2,860 rivers and estuaries, has been geographically endowed with ideal conditions for the thriving fishery sector which currently exists.

Great potential of fishery sector in Vietnam is embedded in water bodies of 1.700.000 ha in which 811.700 ha freshwater, 635.400 ha brackish waters and 125.700 ha coves and 300.000 - 400.000 ha wetland areas might be employed for aquaculture development.

The Mekong River Delta in the south and the Red River Delta in the north have been used for wild catch fishing as well as extensive fish farming.

Shrimp and pangasius mostly farmed in the Mekong River Delta, in which, shrimp farmes located in coastal provinces such as Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Kien Giang, Ben Tre..

Pangasius farming is developing in many provinces in Mekong River Delta such as Can Tho, Vinh Long, Tien Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, Hau Giang, Tra Vinh....

Production in the fishery sector grew at an average rate of 7.05% from 1991 to 2000, and 10% from 2001 to now. Vietnamese fisheries production increased steadily YoY. Aquaculture output tent to sharply rise while capture ouput tend to slow down. In 2023, aquaculture occupied 59%, fishing output occupied 41%. From 2018-2023, ratio of fishing output has decreased from 46% to 41% of total fishery production in Vietnam. In 2023, total aquaculture area was 5.408 million tons, up 3.5%; total fishing output was 3.861 million tons, equal to 2022.

Kien Giang branches out marine economy

The marine economy has potential for the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang financially and can contribute to protecting national sea and island sovereignty.

According to Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Vu Hong, the province has integrated sea economy development with ensuring defence.

In addition to fulfilling its potential, the province has cooperated with regional countries to improve seafood management, protection and exploitation.

Developing hi-tech fishing teams and constructing sea ports and fish markets in the locality are key goals, he said.

To enhance local fish farming efficiency, the province aims to set up strong seafood enterprises, plan marine economic activities and zone off areas for local processing businesses.

With 200 kilometres of coast ideal for developing the fisheries sector, the province has seen annual growth of 5.24 percent in seafood exploitation. It produces 200,000 tonnes of seafood in an area of 2,200 hectares and earns 147 million USD in export revenue every year.

Source: VNA


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