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On April 20, 2026, in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a press briefing on the 2026 National Conference on Fisheries Science and Technology and Inspection and Maritime Guard (Kiểm ngư), as well as the first Vietnam Fisheries Science and Technology International Expo (VinaFIS Expo 2026) to be held in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of April 2026.
At the briefing, Thứ trưởng Phùng Đức Tiến said that in recent years science and technology has increasingly affirmed its pivotal role in developing agriculture, including fisheries. The agricultural sector targets growth of around 3.6–3.7% and export turnover of about 73–74 billion USD, with science and technology identified as a decisive driving force.
The Ministry has organized several large-scale conferences to connect research with practice. In the fisheries sector, 2026 will mark the first time a nationwide science and technology conference is held in conjunction with an expo, creating a tighter linkage between research and application.
Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Maritime Inspection Department, said Vietnam ranks fourth globally by production and third by seafood export value. He noted that the industry contributes substantially to the economy and provides livelihoods for more than 4 million workers, while supporting development of the marine economy and protecting national sovereignty.
From 2021 to 2025, the fisheries and maritime inspection sector implemented 113 science and technology tasks, of which 60 were completed and effectively applied in practice.
Seed production achieved positive outcomes, enabling self-sufficiency of over 80% of key aquatic seed sources, with more than 95% meeting disease-free standards.
Farming processes, biological products, environmental treatment, disease control, harvesting and preservation technologies have been widely applied across about 90% of areas and production, contributing to stable growth of 4–5% per year.
Looking ahead, Nguyen Quang Hung said the sector aims to reach production of 9.8 million tons and export turnover of 14–16 billion USD by 2030, while developing offshore farming into a large-scale industry. Science and technology and innovation are identified as core foundations, in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo.
He added that organizing the 2026 National Conference on Fisheries Science and Technology and Maritime Inspection is intended to assess the current state of science and technology in the sector, refine policies, and set major directions and key tasks to promote growth in fisheries and the broader Vietnamese economy during 2026–2030, with a view to 2035.
Nguyen Huu Ninh, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), said the conference is scheduled for April 27–28, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). It will bring together about 300 delegates, including managers, scientists, businesses, domestic and international organizations, and representatives from provinces and fishermen.
The event will be held in a hybrid format, including a plenary session, technical subcommittees, and a display of science and technology achievements in the fisheries and maritime inspection sector.
The conference will summarize and evaluate research and development results from 2021–2025 and update new achievements in aquaculture, nutrition, biotechnology, disease management, resource protection, harvesting, preservation, and processing of fisheries products.
It will also provide a platform for exchange and experience sharing, including technical procedures and effective models among experts, scientists, businesses, and localities.
Alongside the conference, VinaFIS Expo 2026 will run from April 28–30, 2026 at SECC. Nguyen Huu Dung, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, said it is the first nationwide event of that scale covering the entire sector, designed to create a networking and trade platform across the value chain—from exploitation and farming to processing and consumption.
The expo is expected to attract nearly 200 units, with about 40% being international enterprises and buyers. It will include representatives from the Dutch embassy and fisheries associations from China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, supporting international cooperation and the application of science and technology to the global fisheries value chain.
Activities during VinaFIS Expo 2026 include a juvenile fish release to restore resources at Can Gio (April 27), the opening ceremony (April 28), the “Golden Quality Vietnamese Seafood” awards (fifth edition), and seminars on April 29.
The seminars will cover practical topics such as developing aquaculture models and Vietnam–Netherlands cooperation, optimizing nutrition for export-grade tilapia, sustainable fisheries under the Fishery Improvement Program (FIP), and digital transformation solutions to support sector development.
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