Advanced shrimp farming technology converges in Can Tho

On March 26, at the Can Tho Investment, Trade, and Exhibition Promotion Center, the Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the Vietnam Fisheries Association, organized the opening ceremony of the 6th Vietnam International Shrimp Industry Technology Exhibition 2025 (VietShrimp 2025). The event was supported by Vietnam Fisheries Magazine and other organizing units.

VietShrimp 2025 has attracted over 200 booths from nearly 150 domestic and international enterprises and organizations, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in the shrimp industry. The exhibition will run for three days, from March 26 to 28, 2025.

As part of the exhibition, four specialized seminars will take place, focusing on key issues such as the green development of Vietnam's shrimp industry, reducing emissions in shrimp farming, enhancing the shrimp supply chain, and integrating technology to reduce farming costs while boosting efficiency. These seminars will feature leading experts, industry managers, business representatives, and shrimp farmers.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Fisheries Association and Head of the VietShrimp 2025 Organizing Committee, stated: “'Greening the farming areas' is the theme of the VietShrimp 2025 exhibition. We hope that this event will serve as a large forum where managers, scientists, business owners, and farmers can come together to discuss and find the most effective solutions for developing Vietnam’s shrimp industry in a sustainable and efficient way".

He emphasized that this approach would not only ensure the continued growth of the seafood sector but also support the long-term livelihoods of farmers, while enhancing the global competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp. The adoption of green production models is seen as a significant advantage for the country’s shrimp industry.

The country currently has over 750,000 hectares of shrimp farming, with more than 200,000 hectares dedicated to organic, ecological, and integrated farming methods, such as shrimp - forest and shrimp - rice systems. Among these, tens of thousands of hectares of shrimp farming have been certified by international organizations, and the exported products have proven to have clear advantages in many major and demanding markets.

The Chairman of the Vietnam Fisheries Association also highlighted that shrimp farming is continuously developing and has become a key contributor to the growth of the nation’s agricultural sector. The shrimp industry not only brings substantial economic value to shrimp farmers but also plays a vital role in boosting the national economy.

According to statistics, in 2024, the country’s total shrimp production reached 1.264 million tons, marking a 5.3% increase compared to 2023. Specifically, black tiger shrimp production reached 284,000 tons, while white leg shrimp reached 980,000 tons. This growth generated nearly 4 billion USD in export revenue, reflecting a strong upward trend compared to the previous year.

“Green production” in shrimp farming has become a key focus of the aquaculture industry. This approach aligns with the development goals set by the Party, the commitments made by the Government, and the actions taken by the agriculture and environment sectors in promoting a green economic growth model.

From the perspective of the local authorities organizing the VietShrimp 2025 exhibition, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc He, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, shared that in the seafood development plan until 2030, Can Tho aims to develop the aquaculture sector into a large-scale, sustainable industry with high competitiveness, fully aligned with the region's ecological conditions and able to proactively adapt to climate change. The city is focused on transforming Can Tho into a major hub for scientific and technological services in aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on becoming the center for producing high-quality, key aquaculture species. This plan is expected to contribute significantly to the agricultural sector’s growth, making aquaculture a critical sector in the region’s overall economic development.

The exhibition also serves as an ideal opportunity for various stakeholders to come together, share insights, and discuss potential solutions aimed at achieving sustainable growth in the shrimp industry, especially in the context of the growing trend of green production in the seafood sector. This year’s event marks the third time the VietShrimp exhibition has been held in Can Tho.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized that over the past two decades, the shrimp industry has consistently held a pivotal role in the growth of Vietnam’s seafood exports. The shrimp community has made continuous efforts to ensure that Vietnamese shrimp become one of the key export products to international markets, positioning Vietnam as one of the world's leading shrimp suppliers. Vietnamese shrimp exports account for 13-14% of the total global shrimp export value.

Vietnam is also recognized as a country with the most advanced shrimp processing technology and has a significant competitive advantage in producing value-added products.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized that the shrimp industry is entering a transformative "green revolution" phase. This phase involves a profound shift in production methods, transitioning from traditional farming practices to sustainable and eco-friendly models. It includes the integration of technology, digital transformation in farming practices, and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. In addition, energy-saving solutions are being implemented to ensure the sustainability of production.

Moreover, many enterprises have taken proactive steps by investing in green shrimp farming technologies. These initiatives aim to reduce environmental impacts, meet international market standards, and achieve global certifications such as ASC, GlobalGAP, and BAP. This commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated in the efforts to improve shrimp feed, making it more carbon-efficient and environmentally friendly. Currently, the shrimp industry’s goals are not only focused on production volume but also prioritize quality, protecting consumer health, and creating sustainable value-added products.

This comprehensive strategy is considered the key to ensuring that Vietnamese shrimp continue to strengthen their position and competitiveness on the world stage. With the collective effort of the government, businesses, and farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is confident that by 2025, the shrimp industry will meet its ambitious targets. These include reaching 750,000 hectares of shrimp farming, producing 1.3 to 1.4 million tons of shrimp, and achieving export revenue of 4 to 4.3 billion USD.

Especially, the VietShrimp 2025 exhibition this time attracts over 150 domestic and international enterprises, featuring a series of specialized seminars that address major issues in the shrimp industry, particularly the trend of green production. At the same time, all stakeholders from the areas of seed production, feed, nutrition, technology, and processing will be involved. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking, connecting, learning, and sharing knowledge about Vietnam’s seafood industry in general, and the shrimp sector in particular.