9 solutions to develop fisheries industry in the period 2021 - 2030

On 11 March 2021, the Prime Minister signed the Decision No. 339/QD-TTg approving the Development Strategy of Vietnam’s fisheries industry by 2030, vision to 2045 which is considered as an important basis for Vietnamese fisheries industry to continue making a breakthrough towards modernity, added value and sustainable development, affirming its new position in the national economy.  

To futher clarify points of view, goals, development orientations as well as solutions and specific policies for the implementation of the Strategy, the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper (VAN) had an interview with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien on this matter.

By 2020, Vietnam’s fisheries export reached 8.6 billion US$. However, the industry is still facing lots of shortcomings especially those in fisheries exploitation, we still need to make great efforts to overcome the “yellow card” imposed by EC. According to the new Development Strategy, what are the orientations, solutions and policies to overcome these shortcomings?

There are 9 solutions regarding mechanism and policies. Firstly, our fisheries infrastructure is in a very poor condition with fishing ports lack of capacity and insufficience of storm shelters. Fishing ports is very bad at managing fisheries activities.

Moreover, it is difficult to develop fisheries industry without fostering the application of science and technology on seeds, aquaculture and disease prevention. Support should be provided to scientific research institutions. Currently, we have developed a pangasius seed production system of three levels aiming at ensuring the seed production of 4.5 seeds for the Mekong River Delta. The shrimp seed supply is also developing.

In terms of human resource, in the past 10 years, the Party and the State have focused on three pillars: institution, infrastructure and high – quality human resource (we are still in short of the third one).

In terms of mechanism and policies, sea surface allocation as well as credit and market issue shall be all considered. For example, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers currently has opinions about the taxation on processing enterprises. Currently, Vietnam is striving to achieve the 3rd position of the world’s fisheries exporters. Last year, Vietnam exported 8.6 billion of fisheries to over 160 countries. However, these countries are also applying technical barriers so that we must response actively to the market requirements.

Besides, seafood processing and exporting enterprises must be restructured. The operation of such enterprises should be linked with the economic model of circular, chained – based and value enhancement.

Technology innovation and update is also a vital requirement to keep up with the world and create competitiveness.

Capacity improvement for the prevention of epidemics in fisheries should be implemented to reach seafood export of 14 – 16 billion US$ in the coming time.

It is necessary to organize production more professionally. The traceability of farming areas and farming ponds should apply technology 4.0

It is essential to strengthen the State management. If all resources are integrated under the direction of the Party and State along with the determination of MARD as well as localities, Vietnamese fisheries industry will affirm its position in the economy.

In the coming time, what is the overall orientation to better tap the potential of fisheries by economic regions, especially the Mekong River Delta as well as other advantageous regions?

During the past three years, MARD has strongly implemented the direction of the Prime Minister as stated in the Resolution No. 120 of the Government, especially the shift of key products from rice – fruits – fisheries to fisheries – food - rice.

Shrimp farming in the Mekong River Delta has big advantage, however, it is difficult to achieve sustainable development without integrated investment in infrastructure, epidemic prevention, seeds, quality control and farming process.

Fisheries orientations for regions is clearly stated in the Decision No. 399 of the Government for the Red River Delta, the North Central Coast, the Central Coast, the Southeast, the Mekong River Delta, the Northern Midland and Mountainous region.

To well implement the Strategy, MARD hosted a meeting with the Directorate of Fisheries and some related agencies to grasp the key contents and prepare a plan to submit the Minister for approval. When localities, enterprises, scientists, farmers and fishermen join hands, we will achieve the fisheries development goal for the next 10 years.