The World Bank is committed to supporting Vietnam in sustainable fisheries development

On July 12, at MARD, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien meets and discusses with Ms. Mona Sur, Practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources and the Blue Economy in the East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank (WB).

The Sustainable Fisheries Development Project (SFDP) is a collaboration between the Vietnamese Government and the World Bank. It aims to meet many national goals, not only building a safe infrastructure for the fisheries sector but also supporting monitoring, and data collection, to help reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Updating on the SFDP’s progress, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien announces that by the end of May 2023, the Prime Minister had made a decision on the investment policy for SFDP, thereby approving WB’s loan capital of 115.6 million USD. The Government also approved the pre-feasibility study for MARD and the two provinces, Kien Giang and Soc Trang. Currently, MARD leaders are continuing to closely monitor and speed up the progress, requesting the participating provinces to prioritize SFDP.

MARD sets a timeline for the Project: In the first six months of 2024, the feasibility study (FS), environmental impact assessment report, and compensation policy framework on resettlement will be conducted and approved. Starting in June 2024, MARD and participating provinces will negotiate with the WB; The Agreement is expected to be signed in September 2024.

In order to ensure that the SFDP’s timeline is followed effectively, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien proposes that the WB soon issue a Letter of Commitment, coordinate with MARD, and support provinces in terms of legal advice, expertise, and techniques.

Representatives of the provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Investment Management Boards also express their commitment to SFDP, demonstrating a positive spirit in cooperation, sharing, and solving problems related to planning and resettlement.

The representatives said that they will work closely with the International Cooperation Department (MARD) to build a legal outline, striving to complete the basic infrastructure to submit to the Government and WB in the first quarter of 2024, per the timeline proposed by Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien. At the same time, the representatives ensure people’s livelihoods in the development process so that no one is left behind.

On the WB's side, Ms. Mona Sur commands MARD’s enthusiasm and determination in implementing the commitments. The Director reiterates SFDP’s goals to facilitate stock management by allowing control over fishing gear, vessel type, and legal aspects of fisheries.

Therefore, the WB strongly commits to SFDP and emphasizes the importance of future public-private partnerships, overall supporting sustainable fisheries management and development.

As for the timeline the Deputy Minister proposes, Director Mona Sur agrees with the Project’s progress and commits to sending a response letter as soon as possible. At the same time, she was concerned about the progress of solving IUU violations. To build a sustainable fisheries infrastructure, she hopes that MARD will soon overcome the IUU “yellow card” and call for investment in equipment at central and local levels.

Especially, the WB representative strongly suggests the role of the private sector in sustainable development in general and the fisheries sector in particular. She hopes that businesses will participate in the SFDP in processing plants, cold chains, and other ancillary activities. This contribution will improve the value chain of the national seafood industry. The WB encourages MARD to have bilateral discussions with the private sector to mobilize more capital.

Besides infrastructure development, Ms. Mona Sur is also interested in ensuring social and environmental security, as well as foreign affairs, and national maritime security.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highlights the possibility of cooperation with the World Bank in improving external relations, implementing legal activities, and building a transparent and fair database. The Deputy Minister also announced the effectiveness of media, management, and supervision of fisheries. He informs that since the beginning of the year, there have been only 14 cases of fishing violations. This is a positive result compared to 84 cases in 2022, which is a good sign for solving IUU violations.

The Deputy Minister recognizes the positive impact of the SFDP in improving the expertise of managers, investing in equipment, and providing knowledge for fishermen. Therefore, MARD wishes to continue to cooperate with the WB, exchange information in a timely manner, and commit to fulfilling the set targets.