Developing marine economy with the power of modern science and technology

In recent years, research results from marine science and technology programs have made many important contributions, being a direct factor promoting sustainable marine economic development. The application of science and technology is the key direction to realize the goal of making Vietnam a rich and powerful country from the sea.

Vietnam is a country with more than 3,200 km of coastline, the GDP growth rate of the marine and coastal economy plays an important role in the development of the economy in general. To promote the marine economy, in recent years, research results from national and ministerial-level marine science and technology programs in sea and island management have made many important contributions, being a direct factor promoting the development of the marine economy in a sustainable direction.

As a country with potential and advantages in developing the marine economy, in recent times, Vietnam has basically caught up with this trend to develop a sustainable marine economy, aiming to realize the goal of turning the country into a strong and rich nation from the sea and meeting the criteria for sustainable development of the marine economy.

Phát triển kinh tế biển bằng sức mạnh khoa học và công nghệ hiện đại- Ảnh 1.

Applying science and technology is the key direction to realize the goal of making Vietnam a rich and powerful nation from the sea.

However, according to experts, Vietnam's marine economic development is not yet harmoniously linked with social development and environmental protection, as evidenced by serious pollution and environmental incidents in some coastal areas; marine ecosystems and marine biodiversity are declining; some marine resources are being exploited unsustainably... Therefore, in the coming time, there needs to be fundamental, focused, and key solutions, focusing on both economic activities and environmental protection, promoting the application of science and technology to develop a sustainable blue marine economy.

On October 1, 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 2985/QD-BKHCN promulgating the implementation plan of the Ministry of Science and Technology to implement Vietnam's voluntary commitment "Promoting scientific and technological research to serve environmental protection and sustainable development of the marine economy" for the period 2025 - 2030.

This is a step to concretize Vietnam's commitment at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) held on June 12, 2025, affirming Vietnam's pioneering role in applying science and technology to serve the development of the blue ocean economy.

Vietnam has special potential and advantages to develop the marine economy in association with environmental protection and national security. The Party and State have identified the marine economy as one of the strategic driving forces of growth, making an important contribution to the green transformation and international integration. Documents such as Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW on "Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, vision to 2045", Resolution No. 139/2024/QH15 on National Marine Spatial Planning or Resolution No. 48/NQ-CP on exploitation, sustainable use of resources and protection of the marine environment all affirm the requirement for comprehensive management and harmonious development between the economy and the environment.

The implementation plan of the Ministry of Science and Technology for the period 2025 - 2030 sets out the goal of concretizing the contents of the Voluntary Commitment with practical and measurable scientific and technological tasks, while promoting technology transfer and international cooperation. The plan closely follows the orientation of the Party and State and is suitable for the practical conditions of the science and technology sector. The tasks are identified with focus, key points, and a clear roadmap, ensuring feasibility, and are regularly reviewed, evaluated, and adjusted to suit the new context.

Three key tasks are set out: Developing marine science and technology as a foundation for acquiring and mastering advanced technology; promoting international cooperation and improving the quality of human resources. Specifically, Vietnam will promote basic and applied research on ecosystems, marine biology, natural disasters such as storms, tsunamis, earthquakes; applying modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data (Big Data), Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor, warn, restore and protect the marine and island environment. At the same time, focusing on developing green technology, renewable energy, marine pollution control technology and supporting businesses to innovate in the fields of exploitation, aquaculture, and marine services in a sustainable manner.

At the international level, the plan emphasizes expanding cooperation with strategic partners such as Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, the European Union (EU) and UNESCO/IOC; promoting "science diplomacy", promoting Vietnam's role in global ocean initiatives. Along with that is strengthening the role of the Vietnam Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC VN) in research cooperation, disaster risk warning and climate change response.

Phát triển kinh tế biển bằng sức mạnh khoa học và công nghệ hiện đại- Ảnh 2.

Vietnam will promote basic and applied research on marine ecology and biology.

Another important content is human resource development and digital transformation in the field of marine science and technology. The Ministry of Science and Technology will focus on building a team of scientists, especially young researchers; organizing in-depth training courses on data science, digital technology and AI for marine research. The formation of interdisciplinary research groups connecting institutes and schools, applying digital technology and open data for ocean research is also considered a strategic direction.

To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Science and Technology requires its affiliated units to specify the content of the plan into annual work tasks; periodically report results to the Department of Social Sciences, Humanities and Natural Sciences - the focal unit to help the Minister monitor, urge and adjust the implementation process. The clear assignment and identification of the focus of each field are considered decisive factors for the success of the plan.

In the context of climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity loss becoming global challenges, integrated marine management and green solutions are the "key" for Vietnam to effectively exploit marine potential, while affirming its role as a responsible maritime nation. Experts believe that it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation on technology transfer, establish ocean finance mechanisms to mobilize resources from marine economic sectors, and reinvest in the environment and coastal communities.

The plan to implement Vietnam’s voluntary commitment on marine science and technology is a strategic, comprehensive and long-term visionary step. This is not only an action of the science and technology sector but also an affirmation of Vietnam’s responsibility to the ocean – the source of life of the planet. When science and technology are invested in the right direction, Vietnam will master advanced marine technology, strengthen its internal strength in research, innovation, reduce pollution, respond to climate change and maintain national sovereignty.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/phat-trien-kinh-te-bien-bang-suc-manh-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-hien-dai-197251110211647788.htm