International press has reported that the Philippines are applying all necessary measures to develop its catfish industry. This means that the country would reduce the tra fish imports from Vietnam and fewer opportunities for Vietnam’s tra fish products.
It is understandable why the Philippines try to develop the industry. Tra fish farming and processing can bring considerable profits, because the fish grow rapidly and are easier to raise than tilapia. Especially, tra fish has great markets, both domestic and foreign. Once the country succeeds in its plan to foster the catfish production, it would reduce the tra fish imports from Vietnam.??
While trying to increase the catfish productivity, the country strives to stop importing tra fish fillet products from other countries, including Vietnam.??
Filipino Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BFAR brought tra fish (pangasius hypothalamus) to the country in 1981. This is a valuable fish species, popular in South East Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam).?
