The southernmost province of Ca Mau, Vietnam, witnessed the inauguration of the VietShrimp Aquaculture International Fair 2024 on March 20. With the theme “In Company with Shrimp Farmers,” this two-day event marks a convergence of industry players aiming to propel the shrimp sector forward.

A Platform for Collaboration

Co-hosted by esteemed entities including the Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries, the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS), the Vietnam Fisheries magazine, and Ca Mau Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the fair boasts over 200 booths featuring 150 domestic and international exhibitors.

In the wake of a decline in Vietnam’s shrimp export turnover in 2023, down to USD 3.45 billion, challenges loom large over the industry. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, escalating input material prices, disease risks, inflation, and logistics costs continue to exert pressure.

Seeking Solutions for Sustainable Growth

Despite these challenges, optimism resonates within the industry. VINAFIS Chairman Nguyen Viet Thang emphasized the pivotal role of shrimp in Vietnam’s economy, constituting nearly half of the total aquatic export value. The organizers envision VietShrimp 2024 as a platform for stakeholders to devise effective strategies, steering the industry back on the path of growth and sustainability.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phung Duc Tien, underscored the global reach of Vietnamese seafood products, emphasizing the importance of VietShrimp 2024 in showcasing the nation’s shrimp potential. This fifth edition of the fair aims to foster collaboration among authorities, experts, scientists, businesses, cooperatives, and farmers, facilitating knowledge exchange and technological advancements.

Ca Mau’s Role in Shrimp Industry

Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, highlighted the pivotal role of shrimp in the province’s agricultural landscape. With over a quarter-million hectares dedicated to shrimp farming, Ca Mau remains a cornerstone of Vietnam’s shrimp production, contributing significantly to the nation’s output and export revenue.