As much as VND301 billion  (about $14 million) will be needed to further propel the development of Vietnam’s aquaculture sector in 2013.

The General Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the amount at its year-end meeting in Hanoi on December 25.

In 2013, the sector will step up inspection of inputs for production, multiply the model of fishing teams, modernise the fleet and encourage private enterprises to participate in breeding, said Deputy Minister cum Head of the Department Vu Van Tam.

Tam underscored that the sector’s key task in 2013 is to continue its sustainable development with more value-added products and restructuring its production with focus placed on items of the highest competitiveness.

The sector also set out other goals such as increasing aquaculture area and output and seafood catch.

In 2012, the total output of aquatic products reached an estimated 5,876,000 tonnes, up 8.8 per cent compared with the set goal. Exports brought home $6.12 billion, representing 94.2 per cent in comparison with the set plan and equivalent to the 2011’s figure.

Source: http://www.vir.com.vn