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Workers of Binh Dinh Aquaculture JSC are at work. Photo N.T |
Despite many difficulties, the province’s aquaculture processing industry has still reached a growth rate by 28.2 percent against the same period last year. This could be an achievement for its efforts.
Facing many difficulties
The province’s aquaculture processing industry has always faced many difficulties, including the shortage of raw materials, outdated technologies, and limited markets.
Due to the shortage of raw materials, aquaculture processing enterprises in southern provinces have purchased shrimps in Binh Dinh, making sources of raw materials more scarce.
Also, the expenses for power, water, and other activities have increased by 10-15 percent since early March, pushing the cost of aquatic products even higher.
It’s hard to forecast the change of world economy since mid-2008; therefore, many enterprises couldn’t risk taking out loans for their business.
What’s more, the price of aquatic products in some countries, which are their partners, has dramatically gone down; whilst, the input expenses have gone up, causing difficulties for enterprises.
“Aquaculture processing enterprises faced challenges in signing new contracts,” said director of Lam Son Co., Ltd. “Two sides sometimes couldn’t continue the talk due to a small issue.”
Finding its own way
Alongside the support from the authorities, each enterprise has to make every effort to operate.
They applied advanced technologies, prepared for alternative sources of raw materials, and promoted the trade promotion and market expansion.
The province’s aquaculture processing enterprises have focused on improving equipment and production line and extending their factories since late 2008.
Enterprises are also ready to import the raw materials. At present, over 40 percent is imported raw materials.
Binh Dinh Aquaculture Joint Stock Company is a typical example. It has imported more than 1500 tonnes of raw materials from Asian countries, meeting the company’s demand for production since early this year.
“Aquaculture processing companies now focus on the trade promotion and market expansion,” said director of the province’s Department of Trade and Industry, Nguyen Kim Phuong.
They apply every measure to save the expenses, maintaining the production, such as using the solar energy system and rearranging the production line to save the power. The measures aim to reduce the cost of aquatic products but ensure their quality.
Thanks to their efforts, the aquaculture processing industry has overcome difficulties. Enterprises have exported over 2200 tonnes of aquatic products since early 2009.
The province’s aquaculture export turnover reached US$11.4 million, recording an increase of 28.2 percent over last year.
Experts forecasted that the aquaculture processing industry will be able to strongly develop in the coming time for the demand for aquatic products is expected to increase in the world.
Also, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked the Ministry of Finance to apply the import tax rate of 0 percent to raw materials imported for aquaculture processing industry.
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