On August 5, Benchmark Genetics Norway AS and Nam Viet Corporation, NAVICO, announced a long-term strategic cooperation agreement to develop an advanced selective breeding program for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in Vietnam.
NAVICO is one of Vietnam’s major aquaculture companies. The company is gradually shifting its strategic focus from pangasius to tilapia in response to changing market demand and to unlock new growth opportunities.
Improving Growth Rates and Feed Efficiency
Under the agreement, Benchmark Genetics will design the breeding program and provide technical consultancy and operational support throughout its implementation.
The program will apply proven genetic improvement strategies aimed at enhancing growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, adaptability and resilience in tilapia.
The two companies have completed the development of an optimally structured base broodstock population. This marks the transition from the design phase to practical implementation, laying the foundation for long-term genetic improvement.
Towards Premium Tilapia Products for Export
Mr. Doan Chi Thien, General Director of NAVICO, said the company aims to develop tilapia into a premium export product from Vietnam, based on a fully integrated and sustainable value chain.
According to Mr. Thien, cooperation with Benchmark Genetics will give NAVICO access to world-leading genetic technologies, helping ensure consistent product quality and better meet increasingly demanding market expectations.
Mr. Morten Rye, Director of Genetics Services and International Strategy at Benchmark Genetics, described NAVICO as an innovative partner with a clear vision for the future of tilapia farming in Vietnam.
Benchmark Genetics said it will contribute its international expertise in genetic improvement to support NAVICO’s tilapia development ambitions and help raise standards for sustainable aquaculture in Vietnam, one of the world’s major seafood-producing countries.
As a global pioneer in seafood production and processing, the Norway Pavilion will bring together 11 leading Norwegian companies and organizations: Benchmark Genetics, Fjell Technology Group, the Norwegian Seafood Federation, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, Optimar, Pharmaq, Salmar, ScaleAQ, Skretting, TechValue and Trapia.
Benchmark Genetics will participate in Vietfish 2026, taking place from August 19-21 in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the Norway Pavilion located in Hall B, Platinum 4 and Gold 18.
The pavilion will feature 11 leading Norwegian companies and organizations presenting advanced solutions across the entire aquaculture value chain, including genetics and breeding technologies, vaccines and disease management, farming technology and automation, seafood processing, nutrition, and solutions to improve production efficiency and animal welfare.
The event will also provide Vietnamese businesses with an opportunity to stay updated on new requirements in import markets, access emerging technology trends, identify potential partners, and strengthen their competitiveness and export capacity.