The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a press briefing on the 2026 National Conference on Fisheries Science, Technology and Fisheries Surveillance and the first Vietnam International Fisheries Science and Technology Exhibition (VinaFIS Expo 2026) in Hanoi on April 20.

Vietnam ranks fourth globally in fisheries output and third in export value. The sector contributes significantly to the economy, provides livelihoods for more than 4 million workers, and plays an important role in marine economic development and the protection of sovereignty.

During 2021-2025, the sector carried out 113 science and technology tasks, of which 60 were completed and effectively applied. More than 80% of key aquatic seed supply has been secured domestically, with over 95% meeting disease-free standards.

Technologies in aquaculture, biological products, environmental treatment, disease prevention and treatment, as well as harvesting and preservation, have been applied to around 90% of farming areas and output, helping maintain stable annual growth of 4-5%.

In his speech, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said science and technology are playing an increasingly central role in agricultural development, particularly in fisheries, as the sector targets growth of 3.6-3.7% and export turnover of US$73-74 billion.

The ministry has organised many large scientific forums in recent years. In fisheries, 2026 marks the first time a nationwide science and technology conference is held in conjunction with an international exhibition, creating direct links between research and practical application.

“In 2025, the fisheries sector recorded output of about 9.95 million tonnes and export value of US$11.3 billion. This provides an important foundation for further growth in the coming period,” Phung Duc Tien said.

Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance under the ministry, said science, technology and innovation are the core foundation for the sector, which targets output of 9.8 million tonnes and export value of US$14-16 billion by 2030, while developing marine aquaculture into a modern industrial economic sector.

The 2026 National Conference on Fisheries Science, Technology and Fisheries Surveillance is scheduled for April 27-28 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, with around 300 participants including policymakers, scientists, businesses, local representatives and fishermen.

The event will be held in both in-person and online formats, featuring plenary sessions, specialised panels and an exhibition area showcasing scientific and technological achievements in fisheries and fisheries surveillance, focusing on aquaculture, nutrition, biotechnology, disease management, harvesting and processing.

Alongside the conference, VinaFIS Expo 2026 will take place from April 28 to 30 at SECC, marking the first large-scale, sector-wide exhibition in Vietnam. The event is expected to attract nearly 200 participants, about 40% of them international businesses and buyers, with participation from partners including the Netherlands, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Activities within the event will include a fish seed release programme to restore aquatic resources in Can Gio, the exhibition opening ceremony, the fifth “Vietnam Fisheries Golden Quality Award”, and a series of thematic seminars on aquaculture development, optimising nutrition for export tilapia, sustainable fisheries and digital transformation in the fisheries sector.

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