The inspection focused on three main areas: the quality of VMS equipment and connectivity; the operation of digital platforms and fisheries databases; and the interoperability and data-sharing capacity among existing systems. These are considered “bottlenecks” directly affecting vessel monitoring and the prevention of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Authority of Telecommunications and head of the delegation, implementation in Ho Chi Minh City shows that many fishing vessel management software systems are operating separately and lack synchronization. Data among systems are not fully aligned, creating difficulties for authorities in tracking vessel movements, controlling fishing activities, and handling violations.
The inspection also recorded cases of prolonged VMS signal loss on some vessels. Installing two to three monitoring devices on the same vessel has caused overlapping management and made it difficult to determine accurate data. In addition, many docked vessels are still required to maintain VMS signals, leading to power consumption and reduced battery life. Data transmission from service providers to the central management system remains slow and unstable, undermining real-time monitoring efficiency.
Beyond hardware infrastructure, IT applications in fisheries management have also revealed limitations. Port management software and electronic fishing logbooks have been deployed but are not yet interconnected. Multiple systems operate in parallel, with fragmented and non-integrated data. The transition from paper logbooks to electronic logs has caused confusion for some fishermen, particularly in offshore areas with weak signals where data transmission is challenging. Notably, the current port management software only updates sanction results and does not yet meet data-sharing requirements for modern management tools such as electronic fines, reducing deterrence effectiveness and transparency in law enforcement.
Based on these findings, the Ho Chi Minh City Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance proposed that the delegation consider adjusting certain regulations to better reflect actual offshore fishing conditions, such as reducing the frequency of voyage reporting and allowing flexible handling of signal loss caused by objective factors. The agency also proposed adding procedures for using data from technical devices as evidence, strengthening data application, and encouraging the installation of backup satellite communication devices to ensure uninterrupted information flow.
A representative of the delegation stated that the inspection aimed to identify practical difficulties and promptly address technical bottlenecks, while urging enterprises to enhance systems and improve connectivity quality. On that basis, the delegation will compile recommendations and advise the Government and relevant ministries on improving mechanisms and policies to enhance fisheries management through digital technology.
On July 22, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP detailing certain articles and providing measures for the organization and implementation of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The Decree takes effect on September 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnamese pangasius producer Vinh Hoan has won the top prize at the 2026 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards for its Cured Panga Croquette, highlighting the growing potential of value-added pangasius products in international markets.
(vasep.com.vn) The Global Shrimp Forum (GSF) 2026 is taking place from September 1–3 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, bringing together around 585 delegates from 40 countries, representing approximately 300 companies and organizations across the shrimp supply chain. Representatives from VASEP are attending the event as part of the Vietnamese delegation, strengthening connections with partners across the global shrimp industry.
(vasep.com.vn) At the international B2B seminar (Hosted Buyer Program) held as part of Vietfish 2026, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Pham, Sales Director of Tai Kim Anh Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, delivered a presentation entitled “Vietnam’s Shrimp Industry: Changing for Sustainability.” From the perspective of a seafood processor, the presentation highlighted that Vietnam’s shrimp industry continues to play a leading role in seafood exports, but is entering a new phase of competition in which change is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for growth.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) VIETFISH 2026 may have concluded after three dynamic days in Ho Chi Minh City, but conversations around the exhibition continue to resonate across international trade media, industry organizations, and the social media channels of participating companies.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tilapia industry is maintaining strong growth momentum, with significant room for further expansion in the coming years. In 2025, total tilapia production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes, up 33% from 2024 and 2.2 times higher than in 2015. During 2015–2025, production grew at an average annual rate of around 8.4%. As production and exports continue to expand, food safety control is receiving increasing attention to ensure product quality, meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, and provide a foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s tilapia industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of August 19, 2026, as part of the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026, the Hosted Buyer Program continued with the seminar “Vietnam Seafood Outlook 2026–2027: A Strategic Sourcing Destination,” followed by 1-to-1 B2B meetings between international buyers and Vietnamese seafood businesses.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of VIETFISH 2026 on August 19 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown highlighted the important role of the exhibition in connecting Vietnam’s growing seafood industry with buyers, suppliers, and partners from the United States and around the world.
(vasep.com.vn) Tomorrow, August 19, 2026, the Vietnam International Seafood Exhibition – Vietfish 2026 will officially open at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, Vietfish 2026 promises to provide a dynamic platform for business networking, trend updates, product experiences and comprehensive cooperation across the domestic and international seafood community.
(vasep.com.vn) The global tilapia market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for countries with strengths in aquaculture, processing, and exports. Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s tilapia industry is gradually developing toward higher quality, greater product diversification, and broader market reach. At Vietfish 2026, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), together with the VASEP Tilapia Producers and Exporters Club, will host a joint booth to promote the image and potential of Vietnamese tilapia to domestic and international buyers.
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