Support Vietnam to become a world model in sustainable development of the fisheries industry

On September 18, the working delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) led by Minister Le Minh Hoan visited and worked with agencies of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. This is a working session before the IUU Inspection Team enters Vietnam to conduct the 4th inspection, expected in October 2023.

During working sessions with the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and the General Directorate for Marine and Fisheries Affairs (DG-MARE), European Commission, Minister Le Minh Hoan shared about Vietnam’s effort in combating IUU fishing.  Vietnam has determined that combating IUU fishing is a key task of the Agriculture and Rural Development sector, not only to export seafood to the EU but also to help develop a sustainable seafood farming and fishing industry, demonstrating Vietnam's responsibility. , maintaining Vietnam's reputation in the international arena. At the same time, aiming toward removing the yellow card is an opportunity for the fishing industry to transform from traditional, small-scale, multi-occupation, multi-species fisheries to responsible management of fisheries with sustainable direction. 

European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius welcomed Minister Le Minh Hoan (Photo: A.T)

Minister Le Minh Hoan also affirmed Vietnam's political determination to make the best efforts to resolve DG-MARE's recommendations on repelling and ending IUU fishing, towards a sustainable development. With the leadership of the Party, the direction of the National Assembly and the Government, with the goal of building a sustainable and responsible fishery, international integration and removing the EC's yellow card, the entire political system has actively participated to build and implement a synchronous plan with specific goals and solutions throughout the system from central to local levels, unions, fishing communities, associations and seafood businesses.

Until now, Vietnam has achieved many outstanding results. In particular, achieving a high level of awareness and drastic action at all levels, sectors, fishing communities, and businesses, and achieving consensus of the entire society on implementing the regulations of the Government, EC laws, regulations and recommendations to prevent and combat IUU fishing activities.

In addition, a comprehensive and complete legal framework for fisheries management and combating IUU fishing has been built. Recently, the National Assembly and the Government have continued to tighten sanctions to handle IUU violations, throughout from the central to local levels.

Over 98% of fishing vessels operating in the open sea (with a length of 15m or more) have been installed with cruise monitoring equipment

In addition, fishing vessel management has changed markedly. Specifically, Vietnam has built and operated a national database on fishing vessels (registration, inspection, issuance of fishing licenses) connecting from the Central to localities, connecting with forces, law enforcement (Fisheries Inspection, Border Guard, Coast Guard) and port management agencies to control the activities of fishing vessels. Over 98% of fishing vessels operating in the open sea (with a length of 15m or more) have been installed with cruise monitoring equipment.

Notably, seafood traceability has been implemented and controlled along the chain from controlling output through ports to issuing export certificates and controlling raw materials at processing factories.

Raw materials imported into Vietnam are controlled according to the provisions of the Agreement on Port State Measures and in the near future, post-verification of the legality of imported wild-caught seafood products by containers will be carried out. 

At the meeting, Minister Le Minh Hoan also said that to implement synchronous solutions for sustainable fisheries development, Vietnam has a strategy to reduce fishing effort, reduce the fleet and shift to developing aquaculture.

Based on the results achieved, Minister Le Minh Hoan requested the European Commission to support Vietnam in investigating aquatic resources in Vietnamese waters. Deploy programs to convert a number of fishing occupations that affect resources and the ecological environment; Transforming livelihoods for coastal fishing communities. At the same time, support Vietnam to participate in green economic development programs and manage plastic waste at sea.

Appreciating the visit of Minister Le Minh Hoan, the agencies of the European Commission said that the Minister's visit clearly affirms Vietnam's determination and is an opportunity to discuss directly for a better understanding between the two sides. about the difficulties in the enforcement process against IUU fishing.

The European Commission will accompany Vietnam in sustainable fisheries development. In particular, the EU wants to support Vietnam to become a world model in sustainable development of the fisheries industry and combating IUU fishing. The EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries announced that he will visit Vietnam in early 2024, signaling a new spring in Vietnam - EU cooperation for sustainable development.

Compiled by Thuy Linh