Approval of the Implementation Plan for the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has just signed Decision No. 2496/QD-TTg dated November 16, 2025 approving the Plan for implementing the Protocol amending and supplementing the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement in 2022 (called the Plan for implementing the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement 2022). This is an important basis for fully implementing Vietnam's obligations under the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement 2022 (FSA 2022) and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

Báo Tin Tức•17/11/2025

Photo caption — Boats entering and leaving Phan Thiet fishing port - one of the major fishing ports in Lam Dong province. Photo: Hong Hieu/VNA

Clear legal basis, consistent with sustainable development policy

The issuance of the Plan is built on the foundation of the Politburo 's resolutions on sustainable marine economic development and international integration; new laws related to Government organization, international treaties, legal documents; along with the Fisheries Law and strategies and projects for the development of the fisheries sector.

According to the Decision, the Plan aims to ensure Vietnam fully complies with its commitments under the FSA 2022 Agreement – an agreement adopted by the WTO at the 12th Ministerial Conference, prohibiting forms of subsidies that lead to overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The plan affirms the Government 's viewpoint: to seriously and fully implement WTO membership obligations; at the same time, considering the implementation of the Agreement an important driving force to promote the fisheries sector's transformation towards modernity, transparency and sustainability, harmonizing the protection of marine resources and stabilizing fishermen's livelihoods.

The plan identifies main groups of tasks including: Implementation of notification and reporting obligations; development of laws, institutions, and procedural guidelines; capacity building to implement specialized obligations and disseminate and propagate the Agreement.

In particular, Vietnam will develop initial and annual notifications on fisheries management mechanisms, resource stocks, IUU lists, conservation measures and support programs for the fishing industry. Competent agencies will fully prepare reports, documents and responses to the assessments of the WTO Fisheries Committee.

The Government assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to preside over reviewing and finalizing the Decree replacing Decree 67 on a number of policies to support fisheries development; at the same time, research and develop a Circular guiding the processes and procedures for implementing the Agreement, especially on subsidies for vessels or organizations and individuals violating IUU.

In parallel, the Agreement Implementation Working Group will be established; a transparent monitoring and reporting system on fisheries subsidies will be built on a digital platform; international cooperation will be promoted, technical support resources will be mobilized from the WTO and partners; training will be organized for officials and enforcement forces; workshops will be held to disseminate the Agreement and Plan contents; and communication will be enhanced to localities, fishermen and businesses to raise awareness and consensus during implementation.

Clearly assign responsibilities to ministries, branches and localities

According to the Decision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is the agency in charge of organizing the implementation of the Plan; coordinating with the Ministry of Justice in perfecting the law; with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in international advocacy; with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance and other ministries and branches in reviewing subsidies, ensuring compliance with the FSA 2022 Agreement.

Localities coordinate to review the fisheries support program and implement tasks according to instructions. Industry associations and unions – such as the Vietnam Fisheries Association and the Vietnam Tuna Association – are responsible for participating in propaganda and capacity building for fishermen and businesses.

Regarding the implementation roadmap, the third quarter of 2025 to 2026: Review policies; develop detailed plans and propose technical assistance projects; implement propaganda and research to build a fisheries subsidy information monitoring system. The period from 2026 to 2027: Issue legal documents; implement technical assistance projects if approved by the WTO; initially operate the monitoring system according to the requirements of the Agreement. And from 2027 onwards, maintain periodic reports, continue to improve the management system and strengthen international cooperation in the field of fisheries subsidies.

The budget for implementing the Plan is allocated from the state budget according to the annual plans of ministries, branches and localities, combined with other legal funding sources and social mobilization. The Ministry of Finance shall preside over the synthesis, submit to competent authorities for approval and arrange the budget to implement this plan.