Viet Nam, GIZ step up cooperation on marine plastic and blue economy

The Viet Nam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, met with GIZ to discuss future cooperation, setting priorities for 2026 and the 2026-2030 period. The talks focused on improving marine resource management, protecting ocean ecosystems, and supporting sustainable economic development at sea.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director General of VASI, the agency is refining legal and policy frameworks, including revising the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment, expected to be submitted in October 2026, while reviewing Resolution 36-NQ/TW to shape a new long-term marine strategy.

Building on effective past cooperation, the agency has proposed that GIZ continue supporting several priority areas. These include strengthening policies and institutions, reducing marine plastic pollution, developing integrated data systems for marine governance, promoting blue economy models, and expanding technology transfer and financial resources.

Representing GIZ, Mr. Daniel Herrmann reaffirmed the organization’s strong partnership with the Ministry and its agencies. Through various programs, GIZ has supported Viet Nam in environmental protection, climate action, and inclusive development, helping address shared global challenges.

A key highlight of the partnership is the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs” (3RproMar) project, implemented across several countries in the region, including Viet Nam. Its first phase has been completed and is now under final review.

Following these results, both sides agreed to move forward with the second phase of the project. The new phase will focus on practical solutions to reduce marine plastic waste, closely linked to circular economy approaches. It is expected to protect marine ecosystems, support the growth of a sustainable blue economy, and improve ocean governance.

In the 2026-2030 period, the project will provide technical assistance and capacity building in key areas such as plastic waste management and blue economic development. These efforts will also help strengthen Viet Nam’s role in ASEAN cooperation on sustainable ocean governance.

The meeting reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to deepening cooperation, with a shared goal of protecting the marine environment while promoting sustainable and prosperous development.