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Domestic processors to improve catfish export quality, value
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plans to increase exports of tra catfish after it was named a strategic product by the Government.
Minister Cao Duc Phat said this year, tra processors must improve quality and value of exports.
The Prime Minister has approved a plan to re-organise processors and improve distribution in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta by 2020.
Phat said the Viet Nam Tra Fish Association would be set up this year to boost catfish exports.
The association would work with the ministry to study floor pricing for tra catfish, as is done with rice, and introduce regulations to protect the reputation of Vietnamese tra fish on the world market. It will also boost promotional activities.
Last year, tra fish exports to almost all markets declined due to the world economic crisis and commercial and technical barriers.
Viet Nam exported 607,665 tonnes of tra last year, worth US$1.343 billion, a decline of 5.2 per cent in volume and 7.6 per cent in value compared with 2008.
The country expects output of tra to reach 1.5 million tonnes this year, including 600,000 tonnes for export worth $1.5 billion.
The delta is expected to produce 630,000 tonnes of tra for the domestic market in the first few months of this year to meet demand.
vietnamnews
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