More investment needed for developing tuna fish value chain

(VOV) -Participants at a July 4 conference in central Nha Trang city stressed the need for the State to allocate VND5,770 billion for developing a value chain for tuna fish.

Of the sum, more than VND2,700 billion will be used to upgrade 2,600 fishing vessels and build an additional 1,000 others.

The profession of tuna fish exploitation was formed in Vietnam in1994, mostly in the three central coastal provinces of Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa. So far, the number of tuna fishing vessels has reached 3,500, with an output of 16,000 tonnes last year.

Delegates suggested establishing a value chain of exportation, purchase, processing and consumption in order to ensure sustainable tuna exploitation and increased economic efficiency.

Pham Ngoc Tuan, a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said a closer link should be set up among farmers, processors, distributors and consumers, adding that a better value chain will benefit all concerned parties.

A representative from the Directorate of Fisheries revealed a plan to upgrade and build tuna fishing vessels until 2020, with a focus on building a tuna trading centre in Khanh Hoa province and promoting post-harvest work.

MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat said that to help local farmers earn more profits from tuna fish, it is essential to introduce them to modernised fishing techniques and facilities, as well as the latest technologies in fishing and the preservation processes.

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