Vietnam issues plan of action, strives to put end to IUU fishing

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has signed a decision issuing an action plan on fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and preparing for working sessions with the fourth inspection delegation of the European Commission (EC).

Vietnam issues plan of action, strives to put end to IUU fishing -0
Photo: VNA

The plan’s objectives are to enforce legal provisions on fisheries in a concerted and effective manner, and address all shortcomings and limitations as recommended by the EC in order to have its “yellow card” warning removed within 2023.

It aims to unify awareness, actions and engagement of the whole political system in IUU fishing prevention and control. Heads of Party committees, Party organizations and authorities at all levels are requested to directly lead, instruct and take main responsibility for this work, considering it an urgent and prioritised political task.

The plan of action also highlights the importance of the management of exploitation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector for the benefits of the people and the country; and increasing Vietnam’s international position, image and responsibility in the implementation of international commitments and treaties in the protection of the marine environment and sustainable marine ecosystems, thus contributing to ensuring national defence and security, and sovereignty.

To achieve these targets, the plan requires relevant ministries, sectors and localities to review and make lists of all fishing vessels, and complete the registration, marking of vessels, license issuance, installation of vessel monitoring system (VMS) according to regulations.

In addition, all ships will be inspected at border posts/stations when entering or leaving ports to ensure the VMS operates around the clock at sea, and be monitored via VMS while operating at sea. The process of verifying and certificating the origin of seafood must be carried out in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

From now to May, the plan aims to end illegally fishing in foreign waters; investigate and handle all cases of Vietnamese fishing vessels being arrested by other countries, and handle and sanction all IUU fishing-related cases, and publicise them on the mass media.

Vietnam will push forward negotiations on delimitation of overlapping and undefined sea area between Vietnam and countries such as China, Malaysia and other relevant neighbouring nations.

It will also intensify international cooperation activities on fisheries, IUU fishing prevention and control, and fishing cooperation with other countries, and regional and international fisheries organisations.

Society-Education

Vietnam, India strengthen friendship
Society-Education

Vietnam, India strengthen friendship

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son chaired a discussion with an Indian delegation in Hanoi on December 16 to share insight on Vietnam’s current situation and enduring friendship between Vietnam and India, as part of the 12th Vietnam-India People's Friendship Festival.

VUFO President welcomes LDS's Missionary Training Centre volunteers
Society-Education

VUFO President welcomes LDS's Missionary Training Centre volunteers

A delegation of 24 volunteers from the Hanoi branch of the Missionary Training Centre (MTC) under the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and five staff members from the Asia Area Office of LDS Charities (LDSC) in Hong Kong (China) led by President of the Hanoi branch Rob Howell held a working session with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in Hanoi on December 16.

Credit programme – support for those that went astray in Thai Binh
Society-Education

Credit programme – support for those that went astray in Thai Binh

Returning to their local communities after serving prison sentences, former inmates face serious challenges, including unstable employment, and financial difficulties. A credit programme with preferential interest rates was established under Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg, dated August 17, 2023 by the Prime Minister to help former inmates secure stable jobs so they can rebuild their lives.