DIRECTORATE OF FISHERIES

Shrimp is one of Vietnam's four key export products, accounting for approximately 45 percent of the total value of the industry and providing jobs and wages to approximately 700,000 households in the Mekong Delta. Over the last 20 years, the shrimp industry has grown rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 6.82 percent.  In 2020, production, and export activities of Vietnam's shrimp will have a competitive advantage over other global suppliers due to its success in controlling Covid-19. The value of Vietnam's shrimp export turnover reached $3.7 billion.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the shrimp business by 2021: Prices for shrimp have decreased to an all-time low; Procurement, transportation and processing activities are suspended; Many shrimp farming households in the Mekong Delta have stopped farming, leading to the shrimp industry being "partially frozen" and posing a potential risk of "breaking the shrimp production and supply chain".

To remove difficulties for the agriculture industry in general and the shrimp industry in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Directorate of Fisheries have established many working groups for market connection by working together with organizations such as associations, programs, projects, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to gradually reduce bottlenecks, connect markets, and stimulate product production and consumption for businesses and individuals.

Through many activities of ICAFIS Center, OXFAM Vietnam, GRAISEA-2 Project, Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bac Lieu Shrimp Association, Bac Lieu Agricultural Extension Center, RECERD Center, WWF Vietnam and other parties in the linkage chain between Southern Shrimp Joint Stock Company and Dong Hai Hi-Tech Shrimp Farming Cooperative are in the direction of ASC International Certification. In the context of "the market is frozen by Covid-19," the two parties have agreed to SIGN it.

The signing ceremony of ASC shrimp farming association between Southern Shrimp Joint Stock Company and Dong Hai Hi-tech Shrimp Farming Cooperative (expected to be held on October 30, 2021) will be a positive signal, helping to "break the ice" for the shrimp market in the context of the COVID-19. The ceremony will take place at the Dien Hai Commune People's Committee Hall in Dong Hai District, Bac Lieu Province. Form of organization: online sale (direct for local delegates and online for out-of-province delegates).

The program includes the following main contents: Vietnamese shrimp development in the framework of Covid-19; Promotion programs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Shrimp market and the role of Chain Link; Southern Shrimp Joint Stock Company shares; Shrimp chain link - stabilize production for shrimp farmers; Speeches given by members of the association's homes; The signing ceremony of ASC shrimp farming association between Southern Shrimp Joint Stock Company and Dong Hai Hi-Tech Shrimp Farming Cooperative; The signing ceremony and growth orientation.

Le Mai (theo tongcucthuysan.gov.vn)