Nhan Dan - Vietnam has set a seafood export turnover target of US$4.5 billion this year.

The figure was released at a seafood export meeting held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 3 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, VASEP, by mid-March 2009, Vietnam has exported nearly 166,700 tonnes of seafood, earning US$579 million, down 8% in quantity and turnover compared to the same period last year.

VASEP forecasts that seafood exports will continue to face difficulties in the coming time due to decrease in consumption in major markets.

Delegates to the meeting proposed different measures to solve the difficulties to expand markets, diversify products and promote domestic sale.