In a recent announcement, Venezuela’s Minister of Popular Power for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Juan Carlos Loyo, projected a significant growth of 20% in the shrimp sector by 2024. This ambitious goal is poised to elevate Venezuela to a prominent position among the leading producers and exporters of shrimp in Latin America.

Expanding Export Reach

Loyo emphasized the sector’s expanding export reach, noting that Venezuela currently exports 34 shrimp species to 28 destinations worldwide. Notably, Panamanian shrimp species have secured substantial markets in China, Netherlands, and France, showcasing the global demand for Venezuelan shrimp products.

From Hato La Guanota, situated in the state of Apure, Loyo highlighted advancements in cultivating new shrimp species capable of thriving in salubrious waters. Particularly, regions in the states of Falcón, Nueva Esparta, and Sucre are emerging as key areas for the cultivation of these species, signaling a strategic diversification within the sector.

Sustained Growth in Western Venezuela

Fernando Villamizar, President of the Association of Shrimp Producers of Venezuela (Asoproco), underscored the sector’s remarkable growth trajectory in western Venezuela, with consistent increases observed since 2000. Villamizar outlined an ambitious target of 100,000 tons for the current year, building upon the production figures of approximately 40,000 and 60,000 tons recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Villamizar expressed optimism about the sector’s future, citing favorable reception from state institutions. He projected a remarkable leap in production, aiming for 600,000 tons, which would position Venezuela as the second-largest producer and exporter of shrimp in the Americas and among the top ten globally. This vision underscores the sector’s determination to seize a significant share of the international shrimp market.

Inpromar Processing Plant: Driving Shrimp Production

In the Zulian region, the Inpromar Processing Plant stands out as a pivotal hub for shrimp production. With an installed capacity of 90 tons per day, the plant specializes in processing shrimp for both domestic consumption and international export. Its prominence highlights the critical role of processing facilities in facilitating Venezuela’s shrimp industry’s growth and competitiveness on the global stage.