Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien: Prioritize Shrimp Farming with Recirculating, Green Economic Models

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien stressed the need for mindset and approach changes for sustainable growth in Vietnam's brackish water shrimp industry. While acknowledging the sector's success in 2024, with seafood exports reaching a record high of $10.7 billion USD, he highlighted the need for improved quality shrimp seed and infrastructure investment. He noted that current farming practices, relying on earthen or tarpaulin ponds, limit competitiveness compared to other countries. The Deputy Minister urged a shift towards recirculating farming models, emphasizing the importance of a green economy and digital transformation for the future of the industry. He also called for improved traceability, geographical indications, and transparent information disclosure. According to the Aquaculture Department, Vietnam needs 140-150 billion shrimp seed for farming in 2025, aiming for a production of 1.3-1.4 million tons and export turnover of $4-4.3 billion USD. Disease prevention and environmental monitoring remain crucial, especially given the vulnerability of extensive farming models to disease and weather.