It is true that without branding the export value of Vietnamese tuna will never reach its full potential. The government of Vietnam has well developed the tuna fishing industry but it has not yet formed a national tuna association or a trademark for its tuna. It is fact that tuna fishing has brought increasing export earnings to the nation while helping to reduce poverty amongst fishermen in the south-central region, especially in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces.
Local tuna fishing associations have been established in the three provinces and they have linked up fishermen, businesses and managers to overcome difficulties for mutual benefit. But experts believe that a Vietnam Tuna Fishing Association be established to build up the Vietnamese tuna brand and promote sustainable development in the future.
Bien Minh Tam, the deputy director of the Phu Yen provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, opined that the establishment of such an association is inevitable. He added that this organisation will have full legal status and connect members across the country with each other to share both benefits and risks. Tam also said that the Phu Yen Tuna Association will work with its partners in Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa provinces to establish the Vietnam Tuna Association and join the regional council.
He explained that local tuna fishing associations should help fishermen update their equipment, establish professional off-shore fishing fleets, fish for tuna in a sustainable way and expand international relations to promote trade. Currently, Vietnam has more than 1,500 tuna fishing vessels, mostly in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces, but only 50 of total vessels are owned by businesses.
