Mekong delta targets 2 bln USD in Tra fish export

The Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development on Feb. 7 held a conference to discuss measures for the Mekong Delta to earn 1.85-2 bln USD from tra fish export in 2012.

To this target, the region plans to expand aquacultural areas to between 5,500- 6,000, with the aim of yielding from 1.2-1.5 million tonnes.

Experts said it is necessary to improve quality and quantity of fish fries in order to meet demand of fish farmers in the region.

The region will also promote standardised fish raising models, strengthen quarantine work and the management of water environment as well as work to maintain existing markets and expand new markets.

At present, Mekong Delta provinces are applying new models of fish farming in line with standards of Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP), Global Good Agricultural Practices, Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points.

Last year, the region earned 1.8 billion USD from the export of 600,000 tonnes of tra fish out of a total output of almost 1.2 million tonnes./.