A forum and exhibition on technology serving the development of Vietnam’s marine economy is taking place in the northern coastal city of Hai Phong from May 7-8.

The first-ever event, jointly held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Vietnam General Department of Sea and Islands, aims to assess the current situation and opportunities to develop Vietnam’s sea-based economy using marine technology.

It has attracted more than 300 participants, including domestic and foreign researchers of marine technology, officials from 28 coastal provinces and cities, non-governmental organisations as well as businesses from France, Germany, the US, the Republic of Korea and Canada.

According to the organisers, domestic and international marine technologies cover areas like environment, energy, construction, disaster prevention, fishing, marine tourism, pharmaceutical chemistry, fresh water production, oil and gas, and minerals.

Therefore, it is necessary to consider the building of marine science and technology to satisfy Vietnam ’s economic development, industrialisation and modernisation.

At the forum, participants presented their opinions on measures, products and services relating to marine technology. Particularly, the Canadian Foreign Ministry in coordination with its embassy in Vietnam organised a delegation of businesses to introduce their clean technology products.

According to the Vietnam General Department of Sea and Islands, Vietnam’s 2020 Marine Strategy will see the country become a strong and rich sea-based nation by 2020 with the marine economy making up 53-55 percent of its GDP and 55-60 percent of its total trade turnover.-VNA