Science and technology must drive marine economic development

Industrial marine aquaculture should be recognized as a strategic economic sector

As Viet Nam accelerates the development of its blue economy, many experts argue that industrial marine aquaculture should be recognized as a strategic economic sector. Beyond generating higher economic value, it can contribute to environmental protection, secure sustainable livelihoods, and reinforce the country's maritime sovereignty.

According to Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Committee, marine aquaculture should be viewed within the broader context of Viet Nam's national development strategy rather than simply as a conventional aquaculture subsector.

Minh noted that after four decades of economic reform, Viet Nam has transformed from a low-income country into a middle-income economy. However, its growth model, which has relied heavily on natural resource exploitation and low-cost labor, is gradually reaching its limits. This, he said, calls for a strategic shift toward a new development model.

Resolutions issued by the Politburo during 2025–2026 have established a new growth model centered on innovation, science and technology, and digital transformation. At the same time, the documents of the 14th National Party Congress identify the green economy, circular economy, and digital economy as new drivers of national growth. Within this context, marine aquaculture offers substantial room for future development.

Highlighting the sector's competitive advantages, Minh pointed out that Viet Nam has more than 1 million square kilometers of maritime waters with favorable natural conditions for cultivating a wide range of aquatic species. Meanwhile, demand for high-quality, traceable seafood products continues to grow in both domestic and international markets.

Developing marine aquaculture as part of a comprehensive industry ecosystem would therefore not only help protect marine environments for future generations, in line with sustainable development goals, but also create livelihoods for coastal communities, generate greater economic value, and shift the country's approach from exploiting marine resources to creating value through the marine economy. A stronger marine economy, he added, would also help reinforce Viet Nam's maritime sovereignty.

Technology is the key prerequisite

Nguyen Thi Hai Binh, Chief Executive Officer of STP Group, said science and technology are fundamental to the sustainable development of industrial marine aquaculture. After nearly nine years in the sector, the company has become increasingly convinced that without advanced technologies, it is extremely difficult to safeguard the value of large-scale investments at sea.

"Viet Nam possesses abundant marine resources. If we fail to apply technology to conserve and protect the value of our blue seas, then we are not worthy of making our living and building our future on the ocean," Binh said.

According to Binh, traditional marine aquaculture has long relied on experience, small-scale family operations, and knowledge passed down through generations. However, as climate change exerts increasingly visible impacts, these conventional production methods are no longer sufficient. The greatest challenge today, she said, is changing farmers' mindsets toward adopting modern technologies.

Businesses currently account for less than 10% of participants in Viet Nam's marine aquaculture sector, while around 90% are still individual households. Building stronger value chain partnerships between companies and farmers will therefore be critical to the industry's future development.

Practical experience has also demonstrated the importance of technology in reducing production risks. Binh said STP Group would have struggled to protect its offshore cage farming systems from Typhoon Yagi and another Category 9 storm that struck last year without technological solutions.

The company has already deployed two core technology systems: one for monitoring and optimizing feed management for cultured marine species, and another for weather forecasting and early warning. The latter enables operators to raise or lower offshore cages before storms arrive, significantly reducing potential damage.

According to industry experts, with its favorable natural conditions and national commitment to developing a blue economy, industrial marine aquaculture has the potential to become a new engine of economic growth for Viet Nam. Achieving that vision will require treating technology not as an option but as a fundamental prerequisite for modern marine aquaculture. Only when science and technology serve as the industry's foundation, supported by enabling policies and close collaboration between businesses and coastal communities, can Viet Nam confidently unlock the full potential of its marine economy.

"Industrial marine aquaculture must be built on technology. Just as constructing a house requires a solid foundation, modern marine aquaculture must be built on a foundation of technological and digital infrastructure," said Nguyen Thi Hai Binh, Chief Executive Officer of STP Group.