Economic development must go hand in hand with marine protection

On the morning of November 30, the National Assembly’s inspection delegation, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the People’s Committee of Hai Phong City, held a specialized workshop on "Implementing policies and laws on environmental protection in the sustainable development of the marine economy and circular economy."

The workshop, chaired by Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan, was attended by leaders from coastal ministries, sectors, and localities, as well as representatives from major corporations and research institutes.

Analyzing the current situation, identifying legal “bottlenecks,” and proposing breakthrough solutions

At the workshop, delegates focused on assessing the current state and potential of the marine economy and circular economy, analyzing models being implemented in various localities, and identifying legal “bottlenecks” that need to be removed to accelerate the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), contributing to the Net Zero 2050 commitment.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, emphasized the strategic role of the sea in the country’s development. She noted that the workshop provided an opportunity to update scientific arguments, synthesize practical issues, and refine policies and laws on the marine economy, green growth, and circular economy.

Resolution 36 sets the target that by 2030, purely marine-based economic sectors will contribute approximately 10% of GDP; the economy of coastal provinces and cities will account for 60-70% of GDP; and the average per capita income will be at least 1.2 times higher than the national average.

As the host locality of the workshop, Hai Phong, following its merger with Hai Duong, is assessed to have conditions far exceeding the target of 1.2 times the national average income.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Hai noted that the National Assembly is considering amendments to the Law on Geology and Minerals, as well as amendments to 15 other laws, all directly related to the marine economy. Viet Nam has 21 out of 34 coastal provinces and cities (62%), highlighting the urgent need to complete institutional frameworks and strengthen decentralization, while ensuring that “delegating authority goes hand in hand with enforcement capacity.”

According to Ms. Nguyen Thanh Hai, the sea is not only a resource but also a cultural space and a source of future wealth. Therefore, marine economic development must be linked to environmental protection; “a damaged sea cannot sustain growth.”

She urged delegates to assess the enforcement of marine environmental laws, identify obstacles that Resolution 206 cannot resolve, and suggest legal amendments in the current or future legislative terms.

Key challenges facing the marine economy include marine plastic pollution; waste from tourism and aquaculture; environmental pressure from coastal industrial zones; degradation of coastal ecosystems; and the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

Ms. Hai emphasized the need to shift development thinking from exploitation to “nurturing” marine resources and called for contributions to breakthrough solutions in marine aquaculture, seafood processing, port development, logistics, and marine tourism.

These recommendations will serve as the foundation for the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment to make proposals to the National Assembly Standing Committee as part of the process of improving marine resource and environmental policies.

Referring to the recent historic flooding events, including in provinces that were previously less affected, such as Thai Nguyen, Ms. Hai stated that the National Assembly will continue monitoring and assessing the impact of urban infrastructure on drainage systems and will propose sustainable solutions for long-term mitigation.

Hai Phong: Developing a sustainable marine economy without compromising the environment

At the workshop, Mr. Vu Tien Phung, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee, expressed his honor that the city was chosen to host such an important event on marine economic development and the circular economy.

Hai Phong is one of 21 coastal localities, with a 150-km shoreline and a 4,000-km² maritime area. It has eight coastal communes and wards, along with the island districts of Bach Long Vi and Cat Hai - the gateway for trade in the northern region. In recent years, the city’s socio-economic development has grown strongly, reaffirming its position on the national development map.

According to Resolution 45 of the Politburo, Hai Phong is aiming for a model of a “green, civilized, and modern port city,” becoming a northern hub for industry, services, tourism, education, and healthcare, with the marine economy as a strategic pillar.

The year 2025 is considered a pivotal year, as the city has streamlined its administrative apparatus while preparing for the upcoming Party Congress at all levels. Despite many challenges, Hai Phong has maintained strong growth: its GRDP is projected to increase by 12.35%, marking 11 consecutive years of double-digit growth; the industrial production index is up 15.7%; export turnover reaches USD 50.14 billion (up 8.5%); budget revenue totals VND 187.766 trillion, exceeding the estimate by 27.4%, including VND 100 trillion in domestic revenue; and the city has completed berths 1 to 6 of the Lach Huyen International Gateway Port.

In the environmental sector: 32.2% of urban wastewater is treated to standards; 95% of urban solid waste and 90% of rural solid waste are collected; 14 polluting facilities have been relocated out of the inner city; 33 out of 34 highly polluting facilities have been fully remediated; 100% of major emission sources are equipped with automatic monitoring systems; and no environmental incidents or waste backlogs have occurred.

On July 28, 2025, Hai Phong was recognized for the fifth time by the ASEAN Secretariat as an Environmentally Sustainable City. However, the city continues to face significant pressures, including land-based pollution, climate change, and the need to meet international standards in marine environmental governance.

At the conference, the Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee outlined four key directions for the city: First, to improve the institutional framework and develop special regulations for managing marine space, marine tourism, coastal corridors, resource exploitation, and ecological conservation; and to update coastal zone and marine spatial planning.

Second, to develop a circular marine economy by implementing green port models, plastic-free tourism, green logistics, and renewable energy (including offshore wind); while promoting waste recycling and high-tech marine aquaculture.

Third, to accelerate digital transformation in marine governance through building a marine–island database, applying remote sensing and unmanned technologies, and strengthening risk analysis and forecasting.

Fourth, to expand international cooperation with the Netherlands, Japan, and France, and to attract ODA for port infrastructure, coastal erosion control, renewable energy, and marine conservation.

“Hai Phong remains steadfast in not sacrificing the environment for economic growth,” the city leadership affirmed, expressing hope for continued support from the National Assembly, the Government, and ministries in protecting the marine environment.

* USD 1 = VND 26.133 (Source: Vietcombank)