The fisheries sector: challenges, potential, opportunities

On the morning of July 16th, the MARD and the Directorate of Fisheries have held an online conference on solutions to develop the shrimp industry in 2021 and implementation of the Prime Minister's Decision 339 dated March 11th, 2021 on approving Vietnam's aquaculture development strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2045.

In the first 6 months of 2021, although facing many difficulties, the shrimp índustry still achieves great development. According to the Directorate of Fisheries, in the first 6 months of 2021, shrimp production’s export turnover reached USD 1.5 billion. Brackish water shrimp production volume is estimated to reach 371,000 tons, up 12% over the same period in 2020, in which giant tiger prawn reached 113,000 tons, whiteleg shrimp reached 258,000 tons.

However, despite these difficulties and challenges, Vietnam’s shrimp industry still possesses great foundation and opportunities, natural advantages, with business forces of more than 20 years of experience, not to mention the determined involvement of the governmental system of all levels, associations, businesses and localities, the synchronized cooperation using FTAs, creating momentum for the strong development of the fisheries industry in the remaining 6 months of 2021.

Having listened to the speech of Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, the Directorate of Fisheries and representatives of several key localities also shared their reports and opinions regarding the status of the shrimp industry in 2021.

The remaining 6 months of 2021 prove to have many challenges, as first and foremost, the Covid-19 epidemic still contains the risk of outbreak and has been causing disruption to the production chain. Abnormal weather conditions (drought, drought, saltwater intrusion, climate change) is creating difficulties for production. Environment contamination occurs due to ineffective farming, abuse of active and chemical ingredients, leaving a lot of waste. Diseases on shrimp such as EMS/AHPND, WSSV,…, although have low appearance rate (3 -4%), still possess high risk of increase, as informed by localities. The infrastructure of many farming facilities can’t meet the production demand because of the fact that the application of high technology and science is still very slow. The issuing of farming area codes is ineffective and making slow progress due to the obstacles caused by Covid-19.

Regarding international markets, the clear impact of Covid-19 is considered both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam’s shrimp industry. There have been changes in the balance of the main markets. The consumption rate of whiteleg shrimp has increased, while it’s a drop for giant tiger prawns. The US, EU, Japan and China markets are Vietnam’s main shrimp importers, especially the US because of the big market scale and good price. However, Ecuador and India are increasing their market share in the US market, resulting in fierce competition with Vietnamese shrimps. Apart from the main markets, there are many potential markets that are going to be promoted: Korea, Canada, England,…

Upon facing these difficulties and challenges, first of all, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highly appreciates the industry’s achievements and acknowledges the existing issues. The representative of the MARD requests cooperation in the action of the Government of all levels, businesses and the people to jointly solve these problems.

The Deputy Minister specifically emphasizes the selection of quality seeds, as it will ensure high yield. The application of high technology and science will be promoted and given more attention, in which digital transformation is currently being implemented at an increasing rate. Inspection and monitoring should be tightened to control and prevent the possibly heightened disease rate on shrimp. The infrastructure of facilities will receive more investment and funding support.

The shrimp industry is on the path of development, but issues surrounding this development should be seriously considered. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, the Ministries will be assigned to solve specific problems suitable for their specialties, and the cooperation of business and localities is also required as they are both important factors in the whole shrimp development picture.