12:31:50 PM | 7/8/2008
Vietnam expects to notch up around US$722.43 million from exporting 331,070 tons of tra and basa catfish in the second half of 2008, the Vietnam Trade Information Center (VTIC) reported on its website.
The figures will increase the country’s total revenues from catfish exports in 2008 to more than US$1.33 billion, with total volume of 591,070 tons.
In the first half, the country exported 260,000 tons of tra and basa catfish worth US$610 million.
Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said local catfish material supply for processing is very rich and able to meet local companies by late October.
Currently, tra and basa catfish are selling for around VND13,800-VND14,200 a kilo at Mekong Delta provinces.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said it will announce its overall program on catfish development and set up market information system that will help local breeders to adjust output in line with market demand.
The ministry also considered setting up the Mekong Delta Catfish Association. (Vinanet, Vietnam & World Economy )
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