Viet Nam to complete institutional framework for marine economy

On August 7, the Government issued Resolution No. 218/NQ-CP on the Action Program to implement Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW, dated July 28, 2026, adopted at the Third Plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee on building and developing Viet Nam into a strong maritime nation.

Removing bottlenecks, completing maritime law

One of the key tasks identified by the Government is to complete the institutional framework and reform national marine spatial planning to achieve breakthroughs in developing a strong maritime nation.

Accordingly, the Government has requested a review, revision, supplementation, and completion of the legal system for the sea and islands, as well as related areas such as land, natural resources, the environment, science and technology, and the marine economy. The goal is to ensure a legal system that is unified, consistent, transparent, stable, feasible, and internationally competitive while removing bottlenecks, overlaps, and inconsistencies in the management and use of marine areas.

Notably, the Government has requested the completion of the dossier for the draft revised Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment. The new regulations must clarify mechanisms for the allocation, leasing, use, and exploitation of marine space; financial obligations; natural resource and environmental protection; pollution prevention and control; and the resolution of conflicts arising from competing uses of marine space.

In addition, it is necessary to organize a review, update, and adjustment of the National Marine Spatial Planning for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050; issue regulations and technical guidelines on functional zoning and marine spatial use; establish mechanisms for flexible and periodic updates and adjustments; and develop digital maps and databases to support the management and monitoring of planning implementation.

Besides, developing and effectively implementing specific mechanisms and policies are needed to promote economic development in combination with ensuring national defense and security at special administrative areas, frontline islands, and strategic locations.

Making breakthroughs in modern, green, and high-tech marine economic sectors

Regarding the breakthrough development of modern, green, and smart marine economic sectors and emerging marine industries, the Government has called for sectoral ministries to proactively review their sector development strategies, plans, and programs to establish a modern marine economic ecosystem. Priority should be given to smart, low-emission marine production, business, and service models that use natural resources and energy efficiently, as well as the development of nearshore marine economic activities within the 12-nautical-mile limit.

For the oil and gas sector, the Government has proposed developing the oil and gas technical services industry and the efficient, sustainable exploitation of marine resources and minerals, as well as completing specific mechanisms and policies for deepwater and offshore projects, marginal fields, and offshore energy projects.

In the maritime sector, the focus will be on developing the maritime economy, green and smart seaport systems, the maritime transport fleet, shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and maritime logistics services. Infrastructure must be seamlessly connected with road, railway, inland waterway, and air transport networks. The Government has requested a review and adjustment of the Master Plan on the Development of Viet Nam's Seaport System for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, and the effective development and implementation of the National Program on the Maritime Industry and Marine Engineering.

For fisheries, the Government has called for restructuring the sector to reduce nearshore fishing and promote responsible offshore fishing and industrial, high-tech marine aquaculture, while developing infrastructure, aquatic seed production, preservation, processing, fisheries insurance, and support policies for fishermen in a coordinated manner.

Efforts will continue to remove difficulties and obstacles in preventing and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while implementing comprehensive measures to promptly lift the European Commission (EC)'s "yellow card" warning, strengthen the effectiveness of fisheries management, control fishing activities, ensure traceability, and enforce maritime laws.

In particular, the Government has called for stronger conservation and development of genetic resources, greater self-sufficiency in aquatic seed production, and accelerated application of science and technology in aquaculture. Modern marine aquaculture technologies will be researched, applied, and developed, gradually establishing smart cage systems and developing vessels and equipment for marine aquaculture while applying digital technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

Marine tourism and services will also be developed to build internationally recognized brands and establish large-scale marine tourism centers and clusters, featuring green tourism, cruise tourism, ecotourism, community-based tourism, the night-time economy, and marine festivals.

Particularly, the Government has outlined the development of mechanisms and policies to promote emerging marine economic sectors, including high-tech marine aquaculture, marine medicinal products, marine biotechnology, seawater desalination, wave power, hydrogen, green ammonia, and subsea cable infrastructure.

Under the Action Program, the tasks will be implemented during the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2045, in alignment with socio-economic development plans, public investment plans, fiscal and budgetary plans, master plans, and annual work programs.