Located in the western region of Venezuela, the state of Zulia has emerged as a frontrunner in the nation’s burgeoning shrimp industry. With a remarkable network of 18 shrimp processing plants nestled around Lake Maracaibo, Zulia has been instrumental in contributing to the national shrimp production that exceeds 50,000 tons annually.

A Collaborative Effort for Competitive Advantage

Fernando Villamizar Esparza, the president of the Association of Shrimp Producers of Western Venezuela (Asoproco), highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the regional government and the national authorities. This partnership is aimed at implementing import substitution strategies and boosting productivity within the sector. The ultimate goal is to establish a competitive cost structure that positions Venezuelan shrimp favorably in international markets.

Villamizar Esparza emphasized that Zulia continues to lead the way in shrimp production, maintaining its position as the top non-traditional export item. Commercial shrimp farming in Venezuela first gained traction in the early 1990s, with approximately 8 active production units. However, it reached its pinnacle between 2006 and 2015, boasting 32 farms dedicated to shrimp production, primarily for export purposes.

The Geographical Landscape of Shrimp Farming

Juan Carlos Díaz, Vice President of Trade and Supply at PDVSA, commended the extraordinary growth witnessed in the shrimp sector, with production surging by an impressive 35 percent in 2023. The distribution of shrimp farming across the country reveals that of the 12 thousand hectares of shrimp pools spread across various states such as Trujillo, Anzoátegui, Sucre, Nueva Esparta, Mérida, Falcón, and Zulia, a significant portion, approximately 11,000 hectares, is concentrated in the western regions, primarily within the state of Zulia, with a smaller presence in the state of Falcón.

During a recent meeting between shrimp producers and Juan Carlos Díaz, the issue of fuel distribution was deliberated upon to further fortify shrimp production in Zulia. The commitment was made to ensure the continuous growth and prosperity of the shrimp production system in the region, striving to make it the best in the country.