FROM DELTA TO GLOBAL MARKETS: DECIPHERING ELEMENTS FUELING MEKONG’S SEAFOOD EXPORT SECTOR

Abstract

This study delved into the factors that contributed to the seafood export industry in the Mekong Delta region. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on vital factors, encompassing geographical advantage, government policies and support, natural resources and aquatic ecosystems, quality assurance and food safety standards, and technological advancements and innovation. Qualitative research methods, surveys and document reviews, were employed to accomplish the research objectives. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were carried out with 12 industry experts to gain insights into the driving forces of the seafood export industry. To quantify the influence of these factors, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) were utilized, with participation from 275 industry stakeholders. The findings demonstrated strong and significant connections between these factors and the success of the seafood export industry, underscoring their crucial role in driving growth and sustainability. The implications of these findings for practitioners and policymakers were discussed, emphasizing the need to harness these factors to enhance the industry’s competitiveness and encourage sustainable practices. In conclusion, this research contributes to an enhanced understanding of the seafood export industry in the Mekong Delta region, providing invaluable insights for industry stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and foster its growth.