The third Vietnamese maritime economy forum took place in the southern coastal city of Vung Tau on June 8, as part of activities during the ongoing Vietnam Seas and Islands Week.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the General Department of Seas and Islands and the Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises, the event brought together scientists and scholars to share experience and put forward recommendations with a view to making the best use of the seas, islands and coastal regions in the future.

On addressing the event, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chu Pham Ngoc Hien highlighted the maritime-based economy’s importance in the national economic development strategy, adding that the thriving maritime-based economy also helps to increase national defence and security and defend sovereignty over seas and islands.

Hien said the country’s maritime potential, which includes its coastal regions, seas and islands remains huge, adding that appropriate use of these areas is an urgent and long-term issue.

At the event, the participants discussed the master plan for maritime economic development, international experiences and the situation in Vietnam, as well as the way forward for the coastal economic zones that are scattered across the country.-VNA