Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the 32nd meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU fishing on March 3 (Photo: VOV)

Speaking at the 32nd meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Tuesday in Hanoi, the PM said: “The highest priority in the coming period is to ensure the sustainable development of Vietnam’s fisheries sector, in line with the country’s broader goal of achieving double-digit economic growth, while also securing the removal of the EC’s yellow card on IUU fishing. This is to ensure fast and sustainable national development and the honor and prestige of the nation, the Party, and the State, while serving the legitimate interests of the people. The guiding principle is clear that no individual or organization is allowed to undermine the country’s collective efforts and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.”

He urged ministries and agencies to strictly follow EC recommendations and prepare comprehensive reports.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the 32nd meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU fishing on March 3. (Photo: VOV)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with implementing long-term measures, including reducing fishing intensity, strengthening fleet management, controlling output, applying technology, and improving fishermen’s livelihoods.

The Ministry of National Defense was instructed to tighten border guard controls on vessel departures and arrivals, while the Ministry of Public Security was directed to accelerate investigations and prosecutions of serious violations and closely monitor vessel owners and fishermen at their places of residence.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, inspection plans were issued last week and working delegations dispatched to localities. All fishing vessels — more than 80,000 in total — have been registered and updated in the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase). Authorities inspected 10,745 vessel departures and 6,666 arrivals, and monitored 7,795 tons of seafood through the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT). No new violations in foreign waters were recorded during the week.