On the morning of October 12, in Vung Tau city, the Department of Science and Technology held a Conference on "Applications of preservation and processing technologies for aquatic products".

The conference was chaired by Mr. Mai Thanh Quang - Director of Department of Science and Technology, Assoc. Prof. Trang Si Trung- Rector of Nha Trang University, Associate Professor Vu Ngoc Boi - Nha Trang University. Participating in the conference were leading scientists and experts in the field of fishery from the SouthernInstitute for marine fisheries Research, Center for Fisheries Planning and Development, Agro Processing and Market Development Authority - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nha Trang University, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Binh Duong University and 150 representatives from organizations and individuals in the province.

Processing and exporting of aquatic products is one of the strengths of Ba Ria- Vung Tau economy. Many companies in the fields have invested in technology and innovation and have cooperated with overseas partners to enhance production ability to meet demand and requirements of product standards in high value market such as European, Japanese and American markets. Yet the industry are still posed to many weaknesses. Products in the industry are mostly under the raw-material category which take little value in the supply chain. Product quality usually does not reach uniform requirement. Investment in technology and innovation has not been paid due attention. The post-harvest preservation techniques have not been adequately addressed. On fishing vessels, the preservation of seafood products are mainly done through the use of ice in silos with simple tools such as PE bags, cloth bags, plastic trays and other items, with porous grafts as the main insulation materials.

The workshop introduces advanced technologies that have applied effectively in the field of preservation and processing of aquatic products. Solutions included; the recovery of protein from waste water during seafood processing; Application of heat pump technology to improve quality and energy saving rate in aquatic production; Efficient use of small fishes in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province; Technologies that help improving product quality and production efficiency of traditional fish sauce factories in the province; Current status and solutions of application of preservation technology for offshore fishing boats and logistic ships in the province; The situation of production and consumption of Vietnamese seafood…

At the end of the conference were discussions between experts and difference organizations and enterprises on challenge on application of preservation and processing technologies of aquatic products. Some common threats such as technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance the value of products to meet the increasing demands of the domestic and international markets.