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

With these figures, the region has fulfilled over 50 percent of this year’s target, obtaining a 19.4 percent rise in quantity and 11.6 percent 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 1.2 billion USD.

The main markets of 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 percent respectively.

Prices of tra fish on the world market fell to 2.13 USD per kg from 2.28 USD last year. 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 to promote their products in Saudi Arabia , the US , Belgium and Mexico , among many other world markets. It has also created favourable conditions for farmers to increase domestic sales by finding outlets for their products, such as wholesale markets, restaurants and hotels.

More than 3,700 ha of water surface nationwide has been used to farm tra fish, hitting 62.5 percent of the year’s target. Dong Thap and An Giang are the two largest tra fish breeding provinces with a combined acreage of 2,340 ha./.