This information was presented by Nguyen Tuan Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, during a meeting with a delegation from the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee on 13/5.

Tam Quan fishing port is the largest "capital" for ocean tuna fishing in the Central region. *Photo: Tran Hoa*

The proposal outlines plans to develop a smart fishing port at Tam Quan, which would include a pioneering ocean tuna auction center. This initiative aligns with the province's sustainable fisheries development plan for the 2026-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. Gia Lai will study electronic seafood auction models from Japan and Europe to implement the tuna auction at the smart fishing port. This aims to ensure price transparency, prevent price manipulation, and enhance the value of seafood exports.

By 2030, Gia Lai targets establishing an export-standard tuna auction and sorting center. The province seeks to increase the proportion of export-standard tuna to 30-35%, with a further goal of reaching 50-60% by 2050.

A view of Tam Quan fishing port. *Photo: Tran Hoa*

As part of the project, Gia Lai plans to relocate and reorganize fishing vessels from Quy Nhon port and De Gi lagoon to the northern part of the province, specifically Hoai Nhon Bac ward. The plan also involves expanding Tam Quan fishing port into a smart fishing port, integrating a regional storm shelter anchorage. The expanded port will feature a comprehensive seafood logistics hub, the first ocean tuna auction center in Southeast Asia, along with traceability and sorting facilities for export.

To facilitate this development, Gia Lai has requested adjustments to the national planning, proposing the removal of four fishing ports—Quy Nhon, De Gi, Vinh Loi, and Tan Phung—from the official list. Concurrently, the province seeks to add the expansion of Tam Quan fishing port to the plan, increasing its annual capacity from 40,000 metric tons to 130,000 metric tons of seafood. The storm shelter anchorage is also projected to expand its capacity from 1,200 to 3,600 fishing vessels.

The total investment for the project is estimated at 3,300 billion VND, with Gia Lai proposing that the central government provide 2,000 billion VND in support.

Tran Hoa