For many years, seafood has remained one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors, making significant contributions to export growth and creating jobs for millions of workers.

Vietnam is currently among the world’s leading seafood exporting countries, with major export products including shrimp, pangasius, tuna, mollusks, and processed seafood products.

However, alongside these achievements, the seafood industry is also facing numerous challenges. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries Association, coastal seafood resources are showing signs of depletion due to overexploitation, while fishing technologies in many localities remain outdated and have yet to meet modern development requirements. Violations related to fishing grounds and unsustainable exploitation practices continue to occur in some areas, affecting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

In the aquaculture sector, farming areas have expanded rapidly in recent years, but planning has not been implemented in a synchronized manner. Uncontrolled development in certain farming zones has led to water pollution, disease outbreaks, and potential food safety risks. These issues are becoming increasingly critical as import markets tighten standards related to environmental protection, traceability, and green development.

In particular, seafood processing — considered the “heart” of the export value chain — still faces significant limitations. Development planning has yet to achieve long-term stability, processing technologies at many enterprises have not kept pace with global trends, and the proportion of deeply processed and value-added products remains relatively low. As a result, the seafood industry has not fully realized its export potential or established strong competitiveness in international markets.

From this reality, the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries Association believes that developing the seafood processing industry in a scientific, modern, and sustainable direction has become an urgent requirement. In line with Resolution No. 57 issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, the Association has proposed that the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment promptly develop a comprehensive strategy for sustainable fisheries development, ensuring close linkage among fishing, aquaculture, processing, and exports.

According to businesses and industry experts, a stable, long-term, and forward-looking development plan would create a solid foundation for enterprises to confidently invest in technology, modernize equipment, and improve competitiveness. The application of science and technology would not only increase productivity and product quality but also help minimize environmental impacts, optimize resource efficiency, and meet increasingly stringent international standards.

In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries Association emphasized the need to establish transparent seafood value chains with full traceability capabilities. This is considered a key factor in maintaining the credibility of Vietnamese seafood products in major markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan, and China.

Amid the growing global trend toward green consumption, seafood products seeking to compete effectively must not only ensure quality but also meet standards related to environmental protection, labor practices, and sustainable development.

Another notable issue highlighted by the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries Association at the conference was the proposal to develop a Fisheries Center in Go Gang in accordance with Decision No. 582 dated July 3, 2024, issued by the Prime Minister. Previously, the Association had submitted Official Letter No. 91 dated December 4, 2025, to the Standing Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, proposing the implementation of the center with six specific functional zones.

According to experts, if invested in comprehensively, the Go Gang Fisheries Center would help establish a modern seafood ecosystem supporting fishing operations, logistics, preservation, processing, and large-scale seafood trading activities. The center is also expected to become a regional linkage hub, promoting marine economic development and enhancing seafood export value in the coming years.

Speaking at the conference, representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries Association expressed confidence that with close cooperation among the Government, businesses, scientists, and fishing communities, Vietnam’s seafood industry would continue strengthening its position in international markets.

More importantly, future development efforts must remain closely linked to the protection of natural marine resources, the safeguarding of long-term livelihoods for local communities, and the goal of building a modern, sustainable, and green marine economy.

Source: Bao Nong Nghiep va Moi truong