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| Workers process shrimp for export. (Photo: VNA) |
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that as of the end of September, seafood exports were estimated at 7.7 billion USD, mostly shrimps and tra fish.
VASEP Deputy General Secretary Nguyen Hoai Nam said that in the remaining months of the year, seafood exports will rise thanks to increased demand in import markets.
However, he said that the fisheries industry is facing many challenges, including a lack of raw materials for shrimp processing, and competition from Ecuador which boasts a strong shrimp industry.
Alongside, fierce competition also comes from China which is providing 60% of the total aquatic products to the world.According to experts, along with objective difficulties, Vietnam's fisheries sector is also facing internal barriers.
To date, regulations on tuna size for exploitation have not been resolved, making it difficult for exporters to buy enough materials for processing and exporting.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has set a target of 10 billion USD in seafood exports for this year.However, the VASEP representative asserted that the sector still enjoys many advantages.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: vneconomy.vn) |
Many exporters have managed to grasp opportunities from emerging markets such as South America and the Middle East to balance market demand, while promoting the domestic market.
Highlighting the great potential of the domestic market, VASEP Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thu Sac said that in order to balance supply and demand and reduce dependence on export markets, seafood enterprises need to focus on developing the domestic market, bringing products for export to Vietnamese consumers.
Vu Minh Duc, HR Director of Minh Phu Hau Giang Seafood Corp, said the fact that businesses have still received contracts is a good sign.
Duc said that to promote sales of Minh Phu shrimp products, together with increasing shrimp quality, the company has applied a strategy of reducing prices according to the allowed profit margin, thus enabling it to compete with foreign shrimp products and promote sales in the domestic market in retail channels such as supermarkets at the same time.
To balance the advantages and disadvantages, experts advised businesses to stay vigilant even amid high market demand, while proactively improving their competitiveness, making the most of their advantages, and increasing the production and export of high value-added products, thus creating a driving force to maintain the growth momentum for the industry.
Ninh Thuan seeks WB funding for environmental hygiene project
The south-central province of Ninh Thuan is proposing the World Bank (WB) finance a project on environmental hygiene improvement and climate change adaptation in local urban areas, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| Ninh Thuan officials and the WB delegation pose for a group photo at the meeting on November 2. (Photo: VNA) |
The provincial People’s Committee had a working session on the issue with a WB delegation led by Elif Ayhan, programme leader for sustainable development at the WB Office in Vietnam, in Phan Rang - Thap Cham city on November 2.
According to Ninh Thuan’s proposal, the project will be divided into four components which are on hygiene infrastructure, urban connection, resettlement and site clearance, along with technical support and institutional reform.
Funding for this project is estimated at more than 3 trillion VND (118.5 million USD), comprising about 2.15 trillion VND from official development assistance (ODA) loan and over 1 trillion VND in reciprocal capital.
The project aims to build green infrastructure, protect the natural environment, address flood-prone zones in central areas, build balancing lakes, enhance the wastewater collection and treatment capacity, and improve hygienic conditions at schools and industrial parks.
Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Quoc Nam said as the sub-project in Phan Rang - Thap Cham of the project on sustainable environment in coastal cities was put into use in line with the commitment to the sponsor, Ninh Thuan hopes that the WB will continue providing finance for the project on environmental hygiene improvement and climate change adaptation in urban areas.
He noted that if the WB agrees to supply loan, the province will thoroughly deal with outstanding problems of the sustainable environment project as recommended by the bank. In particular, it will carry out the new project and repay the debt on schedule.
Ayhan said the delegation will report the proposal to WB leaders, noting Ninh Thuan should ensure the harmony between the two sides and that the project will be succeeded in improving environmental hygiene and the quality of people’s life.
The WB is ready to mobilise experts to help the province perfect the proposal and implement this project, she added.
Vietnamese agricultural brands in the spotlight at China Canton Fair
The Vietnamese pavilion featuring many local agricultural brands has captured great attention from visitors at the 2024 China Import and Export Fair 2024 (Canton Fair), which is running from October 30 to November 4 in Guangzhou, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
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| Visitors explore the Vietnamese pavilion at the fair. (Photo: VOV) |
On display at the Vietnam pavilion are an array of advantageous products including milk and dairy products, coffee of all kinds, fresh and frozen durian, pepper, cashew nuts, spices, and beverages introduced by 10 leading local brands.
Their engagement in the 136th Canton Fair has opened up a wealth of opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to expand their sales channels, join the supply chain, promote their brands effectively, seek customers, and expand their market share in China, said Nguyen Minh Tien, director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center.
Vietnamese products are highly appreciated for their design and quality, whilst they have also attracted great attention from foreign partners, he added.
Furthermore, the pavilion introducing one commune one product (OCOP) products, along with product tasting activities has become the highlight at the fair, Tien noted.
Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is the world's largest international trade event with a scale of 1.5 million square metres, displaying over 150,000 products from 16 different agricultural and industrial sectors.
The event has attracted participation from more than 28,000 leading manufacturers hailing from over 215 countries and territories around the world.
Vietnamese delegation for ASEAN-Japanese Youth Programme ready to sail
The 48th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) will take place from November 4 to December 11, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| The Vietnamese delegation participating in SSEAYP 48. (Photo: Courtesy of SSEAYP Vietnam) |
One hundred and sixty eight delegates from all ASEAN member countries and Japan will participate, with East Timor delegates joining as observers.
Launched in 1974 as a joint project between Japan and ASEAN member countries, SSEAYP is an annual international youth exchange programme organised collaboratively by the Government of Japan and the 10 ASEAN member countries.
The programme aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youths of Japan and Southeast Asian countries, broaden their perspectives on the world and strengthen their spirit of international cooperation and practical skills for international cooperation.
The programme offers young people from ASEAN and Japan opportunities to join discussion programmes and engage in cultural exchange activities together on board the ship named Nippon Maru, as well as courtesy calls, homestays and field study in some ASEAN countries.
Over the past 50 years, SSEAYP has become a symbol of international unity and connection, linking youth from Japan and Southeast Asia.
Under the programme theme 'Youth Participation,' delegates join six discussions, including Soft Power and Youth People to People Diplomacy, Economic Growth and Sustainable Community, Global Environment and Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery, Good Health and Well-being and Digital Society.
Vietnam officially joined SSEAYP in 1996, after becoming a member of ASEAN in July 1995.
Since then, the Vietnamese contingent has left a profound and special mark on the programme.
In 2024, Vietnam celebrates its 25th year of participation in the programme. The National Committee on Youth of Vietnam has hosted the SSEAYP ship in HCM City 18 times.
In response to an invitation from Japan's Cabinet Office, the Central Youth Union of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the National Committee on the Youth of Vietnam have dispatched 17 outstanding youth representatives from diverse age groups and professions, showcasing the vibrant, progressive and committed spirit of young Vietnamese.
This year, SSEAYP 48th will dock in three countries, including Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia.
The Vietnamese delegation participating in SSEAYP 48 has chosen the theme 'Shining Vietnam' to share with fellow participants from other countries and the community.
The logo combines traditional textile patterns, the imagery of the sun and vibrant colours that represent Vietnam's aspirations for sustainable development while maintaining its rich cultural identity and national spirit.
They aim not only to showcase the beauty of the country and its people but also to embody the youthful and dynamic spirit of Vietnamese youth on this international exchange journey./.