Authorities from the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh have earmarked part of the local budget for the installation of 15 solar-powered communication systems for off-shore fishing vessels.

More than 690 million VND will be disbursed to help fishermen mitigate the risks of natural disasters and join rescue efforts to safeguard the nation’s sea and island sovereignty.

The province is home to nearly 40 offshore fishing groups.

Recently, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung approved a national scheme to provide fishermen with modern communication equipment to 2020 with orientations towards 2030.

The equipment is to support search-and-rescue operations, maritime safety and environment protection as well as serve defence and security tasks and sea-based economy development.-VNA