Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries and local authorities to allocate sufficient resources to address the challenges in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to Vietnam News Agency, in a dispatch issued on November 4, the Prime Minister communicated to various ministers, including those of agriculture and rural development, finance, transport, information and communications, justice, foreign affairs, public security, and national defense, as well as the chairpersons of the People’s Committees of coastal cities and provinces. The directive was a response to the shortcomings identified during the European Commission (EC)’s fourth inspection from October 10-18. Key issues highlighted include illegal fishing activities in foreign waters, inconsistent implementation of legal regulations, and inefficiencies in traceability and handling violations.
The Prime Minister attributed these problems to the negligence of some management agencies and localities. He emphasized the need for these bodies to demonstrate increased responsibility and commitment to having the EC’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood removed during its next inspection in the second quarter of 2024.
PM Chinh stressed strict action against organizations and individuals who violate regulations and the importance of improving communication, legal frameworks, and policies to support fishermen's livelihoods. He also called for enhanced international cooperation, suggesting negotiations and the establishment of hotlines between Vietnam and neighboring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Regular inspections and monthly reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and subsequently to the Prime Minister, were mandated to monitor progress in the fight against IUU fishing.