Nhan Dan – Eight more seafood processing plants are scheduled to be put into operation this year in the southern province of Dong Thap, plus five other plants that plan to expand operation, bringing the total design processing capacity to 200,000 tonnes a year.

Dong Thap seafood producers have harvested more than 56,000 tonnes of aquatic products, mostly tra catfish, so far this year. The province’s seafood export turnover has hit nearly US $58 million, up more than 118% compared to the same period last year.

The rapid development of the local seafood processing industry has contributed to promoting the province’s economic growth and structural shifting in a sustainable and effective manner.

Currently, there are eight seafood processing plants operational in Dong Thap with a total designed processing capacity of 94,000 tonnes a year.

This year, the province targets to produce 66,000 tonnes of aquatic products, up 36% year-on-year, and earn US $200 million from seafood exports, up 34% against 2007.