Combating IUU fishing is an important, urgent and long-term task.

On the afternoon of April 22, the Standing Committee of the Party Central Committee Secretariat held a conference to disseminate and implement Directive No. 32-CT/TW dated April 10, 2024 of the Secretariat on strengthening the Party's leadership in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and sustainable development of the fisheries sector (Directive 32). The conference was held in a combination of in-person and online formats with 28 coastal provinces and cities.

Comrade Nguyen Tien Thanh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council attended the conference at Thai Binh bridge.

The conference was chaired by comrades: Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, Permanent member of the Secretariat, Head of the Central Organization Commission; Nguyen Trong Nghia, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda Commission; Tran Luu Quang, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Le Minh Hoan, member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development .

Attending the conference at the Provincial Party Committee headquarters were comrades: Nguyen Tien Thanh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Dang Thanh Giang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Nguyen Quang Hung, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; comrades of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee; leaders of a number of departments, branches and units. The conference was connected to the Tien Hai District Party Committee and Thai Thuy District Party Committee.

Delegates attending the conference at Thai Binh bridge point.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan affirmed that in recent years, the fisheries sector has continued to develop, becoming a key economic sector, with a total annual output of over 9 million tons, contributing about 30% of the agricultural sector's GDP. Fishery products are exported to 170 countries and territories, ranking third in the world. Since 2017, all levels, sectors, and the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing have made great efforts in organizing the implementation of policies and laws; building a system to monitor, control, and supervise fishing vessels, strengthening state management, and gradually reducing the number of violations. However, the development of Vietnam's fisheries sector is not yet sustainable, has not yet removed the European Commission's "Yellow Card" warning, and has not fully complied with regulations against IUU fishing.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development affirmed that Directive 32 demonstrates Vietnam's great determination and political commitment to combating IUU fishing as well as sustainable fisheries development. The Directive was issued at a time when the entire political system is focusing on and striving to synchronously and effectively implement the recommendations of the European Commission, especially the recommendations of the fourth inspection in October 2023, to resolve to remove the "Yellow Card" warning as soon as possible and at the same time promote sustainable fisheries development in the coming time. The basic content of Directive 32, the Secretariat identified the fight against IUU fishing as an important, urgent task of long-term significance for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector; is the responsibility of the entire political system and society, especially the government system of 28 coastal provinces and cities.

At the conference, Comrade Tran Luu Quang, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister presented the Government's action program and plan to implement Directive 32, which clearly stated 7 groups of tasks and solutions until May 2024 in combating IUU fishing, removing the "Yellow Card" warning; 5 groups of tasks and long-term solutions for sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Leaders of a number of ministries, branches and localities clarified the results as well as the shortcomings and difficulties in combating IUU fishing, and at the same time demonstrated their determination in organizing and effectively implementing Directive 32.

Speaking at the conference, Comrade Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Head of the Central Organization Committee, affirmed that the "Yellow Card" warning for Vietnamese seafood not only causes economic losses but also affects the lives and incomes of millions of fishermen and workers. Politically, if the "Yellow Card" remains, it will affect the image, prestige and position of Vietnam. The conference aims to raise awareness and responsibility of the entire political system and society, first of all, Party committees, Party organizations, leaders in sectors and localities who are directly responsible for leadership and direction, creating unity, synchronization, determination to achieve the goal of removing the "Yellow Card" warning in 2024 and maintaining sustainable results, contributing to socio-economic development, protecting sovereignty, sovereign rights over seas and islands, strengthening political and diplomatic relations, and Vietnam's position internationally.

Comrade Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, Permanent member of the Secretariat, Head of the Central Organization Committee, emphasized that removing the “Yellow Card” warning is only the first step. In the long term, it is necessary to pay attention to restructuring the fishing industry towards transparency, responsibility and sustainability; pay attention to creating suitable livelihoods, improving the quality of life for fishermen; and have policies to conserve and develop aquatic resources. This is the responsibility of the Party, the entire political system, the direct enforcement agency, and also the responsibility of fishermen and fishing fleets.

Luu Ngan - Manh Thang

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