Vietnam’s fisheries sector is expected to produce seven million tonnes of seafood by 2020, a newly-approved master plan has set out.

Of this figure, aquaculture will make up 65 percent, according to the sector’s master plan from now until the end of the decade, with a vision towards 2030.

Under the plan, which was ratified by the Prime Minister on August 16, the country’s fisheries exports are projected to rake in 11 billion USD by 2020 with an average growth rate ranging from 7-8 percent.

The sector will be industrialised in 2020 and modernised in 2030 while continuing its comprehensive, effective and sustainable development with a high competitive edge to firmly integrate into the global economy.

The plan aims to improve the living standards of fishermen, protect the country’s ecological environment and contribute to the safeguarding of the country’s national defence and security at sea and on islands.

Up until 2020, about half of fisheries workers will be trained and the average per capita income will triple.

From 2020 through to 2030, the sector’s total output is expected to reach 9 million tonnes, of which 70 percent will come from aquaculture. Export turnover in that timeframe is projected to climb to about 20 billion USD.

Training courses will be designed for around 80 percent of workers in the sector, the plan said.

The PM has assigned ministries and municipal and provincial People’s Committees to work together in implementing the master plan, which also focuses on areas such as seafood production, processing and commerce, infrastructure, services and logistics.

Measures will be put in place to ensure the effective development of science-technology, environmental protection, production management and international cooperation.-VNA