The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is working to become a major fishery hub of Vietnam since it boasts a sea area that has been identified as one of the four key fishing grounds of the country.

The locality’s sea in the country’s southwestern region, part of the Gulf of Thailand, gives a catch of more than 450,000 tonnes of seafood a year.

The province has over 4,000 fishing boats and 250 logistics ships, with a capacity of at least 90 CV each, that are able to work offshore, the biggest figure nationwide. They are part of the locality’s current 10,880 fleet.

In 2014, over 462,000 tonnes of seafood, valued at 12 trillion VND (571.42 million USD) were caught by local fishermen while over 161 million USD worth of fishery products were exported.

In its 2010-2020 fishing port system planning, Kien Giang has set to build 10 fishing ports, 13 fishing wharfs, and 13 shelter areas.

So far, seven fishing ports, which cost a total investment of 192 billion VND (9.14 million USD), were put into service.

Meanwhile, the construction of Ba Hon fishing port and the upgrade of An Thoi and Tac Cau ports are underway, said the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Kien Giang’s Tac Cau port is the biggest fishing port in the country. Covering 32 ha, it handles 270,000 tonnes of seafood a year in addition to providing logistics services for not only local vessels but also the vehicles hailing from other Mekong delta and central provinces.

Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang People’s Committee Mai Anh Nhin said local authorities have asked for State budget funding for expanding Tac Cau, An Thoi and Tho Chau fishing ports, building shelter areas on Tho Chu island and Ganh Dau cape, infrastructure for a fries production centre on Phu Quoc island, and a fishery centre in Chau Thanh district.

These projects, which will be implemented between 2015 and 2020, are expected to turn local sea-based economic activities into a modern and profitable production sector that will spur the growth of relevant industries, thus contributing to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development, especially in littoral and insular areas.

Kien Giang targets the shipment of fishery products accounting for 35-40 percent of its export revenue.-VNA