Deep-sea fisherman Le Men has launched his own 100-tonne mother ship equipped with the latest technology to look after 10 or more fishing boats on prolonged fishing trips.
Men, 51, invested VND3.5 billion (US$168,000) to build the biggest vessel in the coastal central region after Da Nang decided to develop a high-capacity fleet.
The Da Nang-based fisherman said his vessel was able to stay at sea longer, saving large amounts of money.
"My venture enables each fishing boat to save at least VND80 million ($3,800) monthly as I can supply oil, ice, water and food to the other boats at sea," he said.
He said fishing boats have had to waste many days going to and from port to unload fish and to stock up with food and fill up with fuel.
Deputy head of the Central Committee of Communications and Education, Truong Minh Tuan, said a meeting had been held to honour individuals and businesses in coastal cities and provinces involved in the development of the sea and islands.
"They have achieved good results in production, creating jobs for thousands of labourers and helped protect the country's sea and islands," Tuan said.
He urged business people and fishing associations to foster deep-sea fishing and develop fleets of fishing vessels as well as building shipyards and ports.
Director of Nha Trang Seafood export company, Huynh Long Quan, said it had earned $68 million from exports last year, created jobs for 870 people who each took home an average monthly income of VND3.6 million ($170).
However, he said many seafood processing companies needed further support from the State to overcome the economic downturn.
He said the development and expansion of seafood processing firms and fishing businesses would help protect the country's sea and islands.
Quan said larger fleets of fishing boats would be able to provide boundary protection for Viet Nam's sea territories and establish exclusive economic zones.
Viet Nam has joined the top 20 fishing countries in recent years. It is also the sixth largest exporter of seafood.