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Vietnam’s shrimp sector recorded a record export value of 4.6 billion USD, but industry leaders and businesses warned at a May 8 conference that zoning pressure could reduce shrimp farming areas as localities plan for real estate and tourism.
Mai Văn Hoàng, president of the Vietnam Shrimp Association, said that if further development proceeds without safeguards, shrimp-farming regions should not be allowed to shrink. He warned that where development occurs, land is often already earmarked for real estate or tourism.
Ca Mau vice-chairman Le Văn Sử said there has been no shrinkage yet, adding that zoning must be reflected in local planning. The minister noted that zoning has been issued but can be adjusted if needed, and that provinces retain the authority to manage zoning.
The minister also highlighted that Ca Mau’s shrimp farming area, which is over 420,000 hectares, could face risk of shrinking if a large project spanning thousands of hectares is introduced. He said replacing a multi-billion-dollar project with the export value of shrimp would require careful calculation, and indicated he plans to meet the minister to report further. The conference further noted declines in shrimp farming areas from Nghe An to Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Participants urged the sector to shift toward high-tech production, strengthen disease control, and upgrade water systems to sustain shrimp farming.
They also emphasized that localities should identify priority development areas—particularly in the Mekong Delta, including Ca Mau and Đồng Tháp—and avoid uncoordinated industrial expansion that could disrupt material supply chains.
Vietnam remains a major exporter. In 2025, shrimp exports reached a record 4.6 billion USD, up 19% year-on-year. Shrimp continues to be a backbone of seafood exports, contributing about 11.3 billion USD in total.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said agriculture should grow 3.7% to 4% in 2026, with total agricultural exports targeting about 74 billion USD. He noted that agriculture supports rural livelihoods of about 62% of the population.
He also cited the value of export outcomes, stating that exporting 1 billion USD of mobile phones versus 1 billion USD of agricultural products produces different real value addition. He said that behind each 1 billion USD of exports are the livelihoods of millions, and reiterated the need for localities to plan development in a way that supports agricultural production.
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