Bian-fishco´s aquaculture research centre. (Photo: Bian-fishco)

Private aquaculture research institute to open

VIET NAM
Friday, July 30, 2010, 01:10 (GMT + 9)

Vietnam’s first private institute of aquaculture research will launch in Can Tho City this week to aid farmers in raising high-quality products.

One of the leading exporters of national aquatic products, the Binh An Aquaculture Join-Stock Company (Bian-fishco) invested over USD 10 million to construct a new facility for the institute and furnish it with up to date technology.

The institute’s main goal is to conduct research and develop strategic planning in the long term for the aquaculture industry.

Pham Thi Dieu Hien, Bianfishco's general director, said she founded the establishment to guarantee the aquaculture sector’s sustainable growth, Vietnam News Agency reports.

Bian-fishco also aims to create production value chains that satisfy international standards on raising, processing and exporting products.
 
Fish of higher quality were necessary to meet ever more severe requirements set by buyers in Vietnam and abroad, Hien told.

The institute will also focus on new technologies that can improve the quality of breeds and thus produce higher profits.

It will produce standardised fish feed, drugs and vaccinations to treat fish, biological products to facilitate aquaculture development and research on climate change’s effects on fish breeding.

Additionally, the institute will lay down standards for food safety and hygiene, as well as devise a system to trace the entire aquaculture production chain. It plans to develop a long-term marketing strategy, consumption distribution chains and establish value chains for marine products.

The institute will also help fish breeders and exporters by disseminating information and providing guidance on quality breeding.

To watch a Video of the Company, please click here.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has provided the private institute with USD 132,000 to assist operational management and will offer training to staff.

Outstanding experts from Bian-fishco and staff from Vietnamese universities and other entities will work at the institute.

Bian-fishco plans to partner with universities globally to develop effective models for breeding and processing aquaculture.

It is the first company chosen by the ministry to run a project to trace the entire production and distribution chain using information and radio wave technology. This is Vietnam’s first aquaculture project to employ such advanced technology.

The tracing technology will help buyers educate themselves on their purchases, and businesses and exporters will easily find the source of problems and assure produce.
 
Tra fish is a specialty of the Cuu Long, or Mekong, Delta, but it has not been exploited to its fullest potential. In fact, numerous breeders have recently left the sector due to the effect of river pollution on fish quality.

The industry has also faced problems caused by a lack of understanding between businesses and breeders.

By Natalia Real
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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