The seminar, co-organised by the Indonesian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Aquatic Resources Exploitation and Protection Department (AREPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), aims to exchange information on investment and the business environment in seafood fishing and processing. It is also a chance for the two countries’ aquatic enterprises and fishing associations to meet with and learn more from each other’s experiences so as to boost further cooperation.

MARD Deputy Minister Vu Van Tam, AREPD Director Chu Tien Vinh, Indonesian Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Syamsudin Sidabutar as well as representatives of Indonesia ’s aquatic resources supervisory department and seafood exploitation general department attended the event.

Addressing the seminar, Deputy Minister Vu Van Tam highlighted the effectiveness of the ASEAN Charter and agreements on continental shelf delimitation and cooperation on seafood and maritime affairs signed between Vietnam and Indonesia which has contributed to promoting joint efforts between the two countries, especially in the seafood sector.

For his part, AREPD Director Chu Tien Vinh reviewed the changes in Vietnam ’s seafood industry, noting that the continuous increase in the export value of seafood has helped Vietnam become the sixth largest seafood exporter in the world.

Last year, the country’s seafood export value reached 4.5 billion USD, with products sold in 160 countries and territories around the world.

Vietnam ’s seafood industry will seek out improved aquaculture production methods to ensure the safety of the marine environment, conserve and sustainably exploit aquatic resources and protect islands.

The country is considering taking part in regional and international agreements on fishing and joining regional and international organisations responsible for exploiting seafood in seas and oceans.

Vietnam ’s seafood industry also strives to contribute about 25-30% of the GDP in the agro-fishery-forestry field and an export turnover of 7-8 billion USD by 2020.