Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat on July 6 visited fishermen in the central province of Quang Ngai and presented them with gifts donated by the ministry’s staff.

Twenty fishermen in Binh Chau commune, Binh Son district, received 3 million VND in cash in addition to other goods.

Minister Phat also handed over 15 million VND to Binh Chau commune’s fishing union and 5 million VND each to five local fishing cooperative groups to assist with their operation.

On the occasion, the minister hailed all fishermen for standing side by side with law enforcement forces to safeguard the country’s sea and island sovereignty.

He affirmed to the fishermen that a 16 trillion VND credit package to help fishermen build new vessels is now ready for disbursement, adding that the government will do its utmost to support fishermen so that they can operate safely and effectively at sea.-VNA