Resolution 36 remains valid, but strategic thinking needs updating.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said he highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , the Central Economic Committee, Quang Ninh province, the Norwegian Embassy, and many universities, research institutes, and international organizations in coordinating this significant event. The Vietnam Marine Economic Sustainable Development Forum 2025, held in Quang Ninh, a locality considered a vivid example of the transition from a "brown economy" to a "green economy," anticipates a new phase in the development of a green marine economy.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the timing of the forum is appropriate, as Resolution 36 on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy has been in effect for nearly seven years. This is an opportunity to review, summarize, and evaluate the implementation of the Resolution.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Central Economic Committee, Quang Ninh province, the Norwegian Embassy, and many universities, research institutes, and international organizations in coordinating the Vietnam Marine Economic Sustainable Development Forum 2025. Photo: Tung Dinh.
He affirmed that the Party and State's stance on the sea in Resolution 36 remains valid: affirming the role and position of the sea; committing to ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight; maintaining sovereignty; developing a sustainable marine economy; and working together to address global maritime issues.
However, as Vietnam prepares for the 14th National Congress, strategic thinking needs to be significantly updated, embracing the two trends of digital transformation and green transformation, which are considered fundamental to sustainable growth and will help Vietnam surpass the middle-income threshold sooner.
We highly appreciate the UNDP research.
Highly appreciating the presentations at the forum, especially the UNDP report, the Deputy Prime Minister said that this was a component he was particularly interested in and hoped that UNDP's analytical tools could become a standard in policy planning.
He suggested that UNDP study the transfer and training of this toolkit to domestic research institutions for adoption and operation, because the data analysis and quantitative analysis methods based on empirical data will create a scientific foundation for cost-benefit analysis in coastal areas.
In a context where multiple coastal areas are simultaneously suitable for wind power, aquaculture, tourism, or energy, identifying priority sectors is a critical requirement, and quantitative data is indispensable.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the timing of the forum is appropriate, as Resolution 36 on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy has been in effect for nearly seven years. This is an opportunity to review, summarize, and evaluate the implementation of the resolution. Photo: Tung Dinh.
Therefore, he suggested that UNDP continue to cooperate closely with Vietnam in transferring data, analytical methods, and tool platforms, creating conditions for Vietnam and other countries to choose the optimal development option.
No single country can solve the challenges posed by the ocean on its own.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha agreed with the general understanding at the forum that maritime issues are inter-regional, inter-local, and inter-national in nature. Challenges such as marine pollution, ecosystem degradation, plastic waste, and climate change cannot be solved in isolation. This is also a consistent commitment of Vietnam in international cooperation on maritime issues.
For developing countries like Vietnam, limitations in science, technology, and research data are barriers to green transformation, digital transformation, and the development of renewable marine energy. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of technology sharing and patent transfer mechanisms within the framework of the United Nations.
Regarding high-tech aquaculture, Vietnam has approached the model, but the cost remains a major challenge. Similarly, developing offshore wind power, with a potential of over 600 GW, requires solutions in technology, transmission, and energy infrastructure. This is beyond the self-sufficiency of developing countries without a mechanism for shared responsibility and transparency among nations.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also strongly agreed with the idea of carbon credits, stating that without a global monitoring and recognition mechanism, these credits can only be traded in a few countries. Green carbon from the sea, absorbed through marine ecosystems, etc., can only be generated through investment, similar to that for natural forests. Currently, this type of credit is only recognized by a few organizations and needs to become a common international mechanism soon.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha poses for a commemorative photo with delegates attending the Forum. Photo: Tung Dinh.
Regarding the development of marine economic sectors, he agreed with the view of promoting high-tech aquaculture, a field that can be combined with tourism and opens up great prospects in the context of challenges facing traditional agriculture.
He hopes that European partners, especially Norway, will support Vietnam with technology and investment mechanisms to help improve its capacity for sustainable assessment and exploitation of marine resources.
Regarding offshore wind power, he suggested that international organizations collaborate with the Government. The Minister of Agriculture and Environment will connect with PVN to implement several pilot projects, from surveying, exploration, and planning to technology investment, with the commitment and responsibility of the Government, businesses, and financial institutions.
Policies and mechanisms for the blue economy need to be finalized soon.
The Deputy Prime Minister expects the Government to soon receive a concise list of recommendations containing key and feasible projects that will contribute to ushering Vietnam into an era of quality growth. Photo: Tung Dinh.
During the forum's brief session, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the spirit of cooperation, while emphasizing the need for the Government to commission research to adjust the thinking on green economic development; improve legislation on green energy economics; build mechanisms to encourage conservation linked to sustainable development; and shift from a resource-based economy to a knowledge- and technology-based economy.
He also suggested that specific assessments should be conducted for each sector and field, rather than just focusing on macro-level guidelines. The UNDP is expected to continue reviewing current policies and plans to provide evidence-based recommendations.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his hope that the Government would soon receive a concise list of recommendations containing key and feasible projects that would contribute to ushering Vietnam into an era of quality growth.
On behalf of the organizing agencies of the Forum, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang respectfully thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his important speech, comprehensive guidance, and clear direction on key issues regarding the development of Vietnam's marine economy in the coming period.
Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister's directives serve as a guiding principle for agencies to continue promoting the development of the blue marine economy; perfecting institutions and policies; effectively implementing the National Marine Spatial Planning; and simultaneously carrying out specific tasks in the development of offshore wind power, aquaculture, circular economy, and low-carbon economy.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and related units sincerely and fully accept the directives of the Deputy Prime Minister, and will resolutely implement them to ensure synchronization and effectiveness, bringing about the best possible results for the development of the country as soon as possible.
Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/khong-quoc-gia-nao-co-the-tu-giai-quyet-duoc-thach-thuc-dai-duong-d789044.html
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