ASC, MARD cooperate to promote responsible aquaculture in Vietnam

The Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 22.
The Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and RuralDevelopment (MARD) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) signeda Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 22.

Under the MoU, both sides pledged to work together to promoteresponsible aquaculture in Vietnam through a step-by-step approach fromVietGAP to ASC certification.

According to PhamAnh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Fisheries, aquaculture isone of four key sectors in Vietnam’s fisheries and accounts for 60percent of the total output, which is expected to rise to 70 percent by2020.

In order to promote sustainableaquaculture, Tuan said the MARD issued the Vietnamese Good AgriculturalPractices (VietGAP).

Both sides reviewed thedifferences between VietGAP and ASC and agreed to implement a jointproject to create guidance for VietGAP certified farmers to help themprogress to the ASC certification.

ChrisNinnes, Managing Director of the ASC, said his group is engaging with atier of farmers through this project that are not currently able to meetASC requirements, including smallholders, who will benefit from greatersupport in improving their practices.

Thisapproach will also enable the ASC to become a more efficient serviceprovider by reducing costs for producers who wish to gain ASCcertification, he said, adding that the ASC has granted qualitycertifications to around 3,000 labels on the market and over 500,000tonnes of products.

In 2014, the VietnameseGovernment issued Decree No 36/2014/ND-CP on growing, processing andexporting catfish, stipulating that farms must receive VietGAP orequivalent certifications by the end of 2015, evidence of the VietnameseGovernment’s commitment to developing sustainable aquaculture.-VNA

See more

An overview of the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Binh Duong works to remove obstacles facing major FDI firms

Authorities of the southern industrial hub of Binh Duong held a meeting with two major foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises operating in the province to address challenges facing the firms in production and business operations while encouraging their further expansion.

Real estate investors eye industrial zones with strong transport infrastructure. Illustrative image (Photo:VNA)

Real estate rises with infrastructure boom

According to Savills Vietnam, a more favourable real estate investment environment is expected in 2025 as cyclical challenges subside and the market continues its recovery.

At the February 14 meeting between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and a delegation of Vietnamese businesses and international enterprises from various countries. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam strengthens business and investment ties in Laos

Highlighting Laos's vast potential for trade and investment cooperation, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said that Laos is an attractive investment destination, particularly in agriculture, tourism, logistics, and infrastructure development.

Lao government officials and representatives of Vietnamese businesses at the seminar (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese firms eye investment in Laos

He reaffirmed Laos as a key investment destination for Vietnamese and global firms, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, tourism, logistics, and infrastructure.

Vice Chairman of the Bac Giang People's Committee Mai Son (Photo: bacgiang.gov.vn)

Bac Giang speeds up non-state budget investment projects

In the coming period, the northern province of Bac Giang will focus on addressing challenges to non-state budget investment projects and expediting their progress, affirmed Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Mai Son.

Representatives from industry associations share insights on Vietnam’s market trends. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Thailand boost industrial trade exchange

Trade between Vietnam and Thailand reached 20.18 billion USD in 2024, up 6.4% year-on-year. Thailand remained Vietnam’s top ASEAN trade partner, accounting for 24% of its total trade with the bloc.