Arabfields, Meriem Senouci, Correspondent, Hanoï, Vietnam — The Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 exhibition, scheduled to take place from 18 to 20 March 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, stands as a pivotal gathering for the international aquaculture community. This premier event, co-located with VietShrimp Asia 2026, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore the full spectrum of the aquaculture value chain, from farming and processing to technology integration and market expansion. As Vietnam continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s leading aquaculture producers, the exhibition provides a strategic platform to showcase advancements that will shape the sector’s trajectory in the coming years.

Vietnam’s aquaculture industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and expansion in recent times, serving as a cornerstone of the national economy while contributing significantly to global food security. In 2025, total fisheries output reached approximately 9.95 million tonnes, reflecting a three percent increase from the previous year, with aquaculture accounting for a substantial share of this production. Specifically, aquaculture output stood at around 6.12 million tonnes, marking a 5.1 percent rise, driven largely by strong performances in key species such as shrimp and various finfish. Export revenues from seafood products surpassed 11 billion US dollars in 2025, representing a notable 12.7 percent growth compared to 2024 and establishing a new record high for the sector. Shrimp exports alone contributed 4.6 billion US dollars, up by 19 percent, while pangasius added 2.2 billion US dollars with a 7.5 percent increase. These figures underscore the sector’s vital role in generating foreign exchange and supporting rural livelihoods across the Mekong Delta and other key production regions.

Looking ahead to 2026, official targets and industry projections indicate continued, albeit measured, progress in aquaculture development, aligned with national strategies for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness. Aquaculture production is forecasted to reach 6.25 million tonnes, an increase of 2.2 percent from 2025 levels, as investments in improved breeding techniques, water quality management, and automation yield higher efficiencies. This expansion will contribute to an overall seafood output exceeding 10 million tonnes, representing a 0.6 percent rise despite a slight contraction in capture fisheries to 3.75 million tonnes. Export ambitions for 2026 are set at 11.5 billion US dollars, building on the momentum of previous years through diversification into high-value markets and emphasis on traceability and environmental standards. These forecasts are grounded in the ongoing modernization of farming practices and the sector’s ability to adapt to evolving global demands, positioning Vietnam to maintain its status among top aquaculture exporters.

The forthcoming Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 event will play a crucial role in realizing these projections by facilitating knowledge exchange and business partnerships that accelerate innovation across the value chain. Attendees can expect focused discussions on practical solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and automation to optimize feed management, disease prevention, and harvest operations, all of which are essential for scaling production sustainably. With an anticipated gathering of professionals from more than 30 countries, the exhibition will highlight how such technologies can address challenges like climate variability and resource constraints while enhancing productivity. For instance, advancements in recirculating aquaculture systems and precision farming tools are expected to reduce environmental footprints and improve yields, directly supporting the targeted two percent plus growth in aquaculture output for the year.

Furthermore, the event underscores Vietnam’s strategic shift toward greater sustainability, a factor increasingly critical for accessing premium international markets. Projections for 2026 anticipate that compliance with stringent international regulations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, alongside traceability requirements, will enable exporters to strengthen their presence in regions such as the European Union, Japan, and emerging Asian destinations. Shrimp and pangasius, which together form the backbone of export revenues, are poised to benefit from value-added processing innovations showcased at the exhibition, potentially driving further market penetration and contributing to the overall export target. Industry analyses suggest that sustained investment in these areas could yield a compound annual growth rate of around four percent in the fish farming segment through the next decade, with 2026 serving as a foundational year for embedding these practices at scale.

Economic contributions from aquaculture extend well beyond production volumes, encompassing employment for millions of workers and integration with related industries such as feed manufacturing and logistics. In 2026, the sector’s expansion is expected to bolster rural economies, particularly in southern provinces where pangasius farming dominates, while shrimp cultivation benefits from expanded pond systems and biosecurity measures. The exhibition will provide opportunities to examine case studies demonstrating how collaborative efforts among producers, suppliers, and researchers can mitigate risks associated with disease outbreaks and market volatility, thereby ensuring the reliability of supply chains. By fostering dialogue on policy frameworks and investment opportunities, the event aligns directly with national development plans that prioritize long-term viability, including visions extending to 2030 and beyond.

As global demand for seafood continues to rise amid population growth and shifting dietary preferences, Vietnam’s aquaculture sector is well-placed to capture a larger share of the international market. Forecasts indicate that the emphasis on high-quality, sustainably sourced products will be instrumental in achieving the 11.5 billion US dollar export goal, with particular opportunities in processed and ready-to-eat formats that appeal to health-conscious consumers. The Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 gathering will illuminate pathways for small and medium enterprises to adopt cutting-edge solutions, such as digital monitoring platforms that enhance operational transparency and efficiency. This technological infusion is projected to not only elevate production standards but also reduce operational costs, supporting the forecasted increase in aquaculture tonnage without proportional rises in resource consumption.

Challenges remain on the horizon, including potential trade barriers and environmental pressures, yet the industry’s demonstrated adaptability suggests robust prospects for 2026 and subsequent years. Through targeted seminars and networking sessions at the exhibition, participants will explore strategies to navigate these dynamics, such as diversification into alternative species and strengthened regional cooperation. The convergence of over two hundred exhibitors representing equipment suppliers, feed producers, and processing technology firms will create a comprehensive marketplace for solutions tailored to Vietnam’s unique conditions, ultimately reinforcing the sector’s contribution to food security and economic resilience.

In summary, Aquaculture Vietnam 2026 represents more than a trade showcase, it serves as a catalyst for the transformative changes required to meet ambitious 2026 targets in production and exports. By bringing together expertise from across the globe at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, the event will empower stakeholders to translate data-driven insights into actionable strategies, ensuring that Vietnam’s aquaculture industry sustains its upward trajectory while upholding principles of environmental stewardship and economic inclusivity. The outcomes of this gathering are anticipated to influence industry practices far beyond the three-day period, laying a solid foundation for enduring growth in one of Vietnam’s most dynamic economic sectors.