Speaking at the meeting which was connected online to 21 coastal provinces and centrally-run cities, PM Chinh stressed that Viet Nam is a coastal nation with abundant fishery resources and a long-standing tradition of offshore fishing and exploitation. What is important is that seafood exploitation must comply with international regulations and Vietnamese law, he said.
However, after eight years, despite many efforts, IUU fishing cases still occur, and the European Commission (EC) has yet to lift its “yellow card” warning, he said, affirming that this warning has negatively affected seafood exports, harmed the country’s honour and reputation, and, importantly, reflected the effectiveness of leadership, direction, and management of Party committees and administrations from the central to local levels.
The PM emphasised that the ultimate goal is to put an end to IUU fishing so that the EC can remove its warning.
He noted that there is very little time left until the end of the year, with the commission’s inspection team scheduled to visit Viet Nam in October to review IUU fishing-related issues. Especially in the context that Viet Nam’s aquatic product export markets face risks of contraction and difficulties due to tariff policies of other countries, the EC’s removal of the “yellow card” will help Viet Nam regain and expand its markets, thereby improving incomes for people.
Stressing that it is unacceptable to remain powerless in the face of violations in seafood exploitation, PM Chinh expressed his expectation that this will be the final meeting of the steering committee and that IUU fishing will come to an end.
The Government leader requested delegates to provide a concrete assessment of the situation, particularly to clearly identify the roles and responsibilities in the leadership, direction, management, and measures taken by Party committees and administrations at all levels in lifting the “yellow card,” as well as the awareness of the people.
