Progress has been made in IUU fishing combat over the past six years. (Photo: VNA) The leader on November 4 issued a dispatchto the ministers of agriculture and rural development, finance, transport,information and communications, justice, foreign affairs, public security andnational defence, and the chairpersons of the People’s Committees of coastalcities and provinces over the issue.
In the dispatch, the PM stressed that progress hasbeen made in the work over the past six years, yet limitations and shortcomingswere revealed during the European Commission (EC)’s fourth inspection fromOctober 10-18 such as illegal operations by fishing boats in foreign waters,unconcerted implementation of legal regulations in localities, and poorperformance in traceability and the settlement of violations.
He also pointed to causes behind the problems,mainly the negligence of many relevant management agencies and localities, andasked the ministers and chairpersons to raise their responsibility and stayedresolved to have the EC’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafoodremoved during its fifth inspection, slated for the second quarter of 2024.
Chinh emphasised the need to strictlyhandle organisations and individuals that commit violations, step up thecommunications work, amend and supplement relevant legal regulations, issuemechanisms and policies in support of fishermen’s livelihoods, and monitor fishingfleets.
Apart from a closer look on traceability, more attention shouldbe paid to international cooperation, he said, suggesting negotiations and signingof hotlines between Vietnam and Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Inspections over the IUU combat must be carriedout regularly, with results to be reported to the Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development by the 25th day of each month and then sent to thePM, who is also head of the National Steering Committee on IUU FishingPrevention and Control./.
VNA
