Tra fish processed for export.

The Mekong Delta region exported more than 300,000 tonnes of tra fish in the first half of this year, earning over US$640 million.

With these figures, the region has attained over 50% of this year’s target, obtaining a 19.4% rise in quantity and 11.6% increase in value despite a slump in world prices.

Statistics presented at a meeting held in Can Tho city on July 14 to review tra fish exports showed that the region is very likely to ship 600,000 tonnes of tra fish and fetch US$1.2 billion by the end of this year.

The main markets for Vietnamese tra fish include 13 countries in the European Union, northern and central America, Asia and Oceania continent. Thanks to accelerated promotions, exports to Saudi Arabi and Australia so far this year expanded 47.5% and 35.3% respectively.

Prices of tra fish on the world market fell from US$2.28 last year to US$2.13 per kilo. However, the steering board for production and consumption of tra fish in the Mekong Delta region has worked with relevant agencies to address drawbacks concerning tariff and non-tariff barriers.

It has also provided exporters with updated market information as well as advice on quality and hygiene requirements, and responded strongly to articles in foreign newspapers that aimed to tarnish the reputation of Vietnamese tra fish.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has assisted export companies in promoting their products in Saudi Arabia, the US, Belgium and Mexico, and other world markets. It has also created favourable conditions for farmers to increase domestic sales by finding domestic outlets for their products, such as wholesale markets, restaurants and hotels.

More than 3,700 hectares of water across the country is being used to farm tra fish, hitting 62.5% of the year’s target. Dong Thap and An Giang are the two largest tra fish breeding provinces with a combined area of 2,340 hectares. (VNA)