Tra fish exports were worth a record high of 2.2 billion USD in 2018, 26.4 percent higher than in 2017 and representing a breakthrough for Vietnam’s trafish industry. The number is expected to hit 2.4 billion USD this year. Apart from the growth target, breeding stock is a particular focus this year as it is a key factor for the sustainable development of the trafish industry.

In order to reach the export target of 2.4 billion USD in 2019 – equivalent to 12 percent year-on-year – the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has requested all localities to make full use of current advantages and to promote investment in tra fish cultivation with a focus on quality development to raise the sector’s economic value in a sustainable manner. Many tra fish enterprises have celebrated the sector’s impressive recovery after two gloomy years for productivity. They have also voiced their beliefs that 2019 will be another successful year for the sector, while agreeing on the importance of sustainable development for the industry. According to experts, high-quality breeding stock is the driving force for sustainable development of the tra fish industry. However, breeding supply management should be enhanced to avoid saturation. Relevant agencies have also been advised to conduct detailed market research to better balance supply and demand, as well as to stabilise incomes for farmers. –VNA