Viet Nam transforming to lead blue economy in new era

This event is to implement the Resolution No.26/NQ-CP dated March 5, 2020, of the Government on the promulgation of the Master Plan and the 5-year Plan of the Government to implement Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated October 22, 2018 of the Eighth Plenum of the 12th Communist Party of Vietnam on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Marine Economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045. 

The event is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang and leaders from the Government, the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee, the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment; representatives from central and local coastal state management agencies, experts, scientists, associations, businesses, and international organizations related to the marine economy.

Vietnam is entering a new stage of development requiring an upgrade to a high-quality growth model based on innovation, advanced science and technology, and deeper international integration. With a long coastline and a sea area approximately three times larger than land area, Vietnam has significant potential and advantages in maritime and island resources. These are not only valuable resources but also crucial strategic spaces for development, national defense, and security. The Party and State's socio-economic development orientation have identified the development of a modern and sustainable marine economy as one of the new drivers of growth.

The delegates engage in discussions and dialogues to assess the implementation of Resolution No. 36-NQ-TW and mobilize resources for the sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy in the new period.

This Forum is particularly significant because it gathers a large number of ministries, sectors, coastal provinces, experts, businesses, and international partners, coinciding with the five-year review of the implementation of Resolution No. 26/NQ-CP and aims to comprehensively assess the achievements and remaining challenges, and discusses sustainable marine economic development models in the context of the new growth requirements.

With the Party and State's drastic and closed attention and guidance; and the great efforts of the entire sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has achieved many important results in recent years, most notably.

Firstly, leading and coordinating intersectoral efforts to build and perfect many important mechanisms and policies on marine governance such as the National Marine Spatial Planning. Secondly, strongly promoting key marine economic sectors towards modernity and high added value such as industrial marine aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, maritime services - logistics, and ocean-based renewables.

Promoting the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, contributing to the improvement of the lives, livelihoods, and social welfare of coastal communities; strengthening communication and education about the ocean/sea; promoting basic research, science and technology; international cooperation on the sea; building and digitizing marine data to serve forecasting, monitoring and policy planning; closely coordinating with functional forces in controlling pollution, protecting the marine environment, expanding the marine protected area system, and responding to climate change, contributing to the national security, sovereignty and promoting maritime diplomacy.

Following the Opening Session with stratergic guidances from the Leaders, the Forum continues with the Plenary Session with the presentations from central and local agencies, as well as national and international experts, offering rich and diverse perspectives on marine economic development.

With the requirements to reshape the marine economy towards a green, circular, and low-carbon direction, the Policy Dialogue session clarifies three major groups of issues: Identifying a marine growth model suitable for the new context, based on the pillars: green transformation, digital transformation, innovation, and international cooperation. Developing the marine economic ecosystem, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, supporting industries, coastal cities, human resources, and ocean research and forecasting centers. Strengthening modern marine governance to be transparent, effective, and efficient institutions; advanced monitoring and observation; pollution control and ecosystem restoration.

A strong marine economy requires the active collaboration of businesses, scientists, localities, and the international communities. The initiatives shared at the Forum will contribute to introducing new approaches and creating a foundation for Vietnam to step up in the global ocean value chain. 

Ministry of Agriculture and Environment commits to accelerate institutional reforms, removing obstacles, and creating a favorable and transparent investment environment.