The US, Japan, China and the Republic of Korea were the four leading markets for Vietnamese seafood, while the highest surge was seen in the Chinese market with 55.1%, followed by the US with 11%, Thailand with 7.7% and the Netherlands with 7.3%.
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) stressed the need to strengthen food safety control on seafood for export as well as assess and classify import enterprises to be prioritised in quarantine exemption and reduction.
At the same time, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region to apply measures to balance three factors: the breeding season, production varieties and feed production, the association advised.
The VASEP also underscored the need for investment and support in offshore fishing and storage to increase productivity and profits for fishermen and provide sufficient materials for export, together with enhancing trade promotion and seeking new markets.
Meanwhile, the catch in the first seven months of this year was estimated at 1.776 million tonnes, a year-on-year rise of 2.7%, including 1.676 million tonnes of fish caught offshore, a rise of 2.8%, and 100,000 tonnes of inland freshwater fish.
Aquatic farm production in the period reached 1.97 million tonnes, an increase of 1.3%. In addition to the figure, the total aquatic output of the country was 3.741 million tonnes, up 1.9% year on year. However, Typhoon Mirinae in late July destroyed 8,756 hectares of aquatic farms or 12,763 fish pens.
To fulfil its set targets, in August, the sector will continue keeping a close eye on weather development to make timely adjustments to production, re-organise production at sea, and foster co-operation and the application of science and technology.
