SGGPO
On the afternoon of October 7, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh concluded the conference to promote solutions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, preparing to welcome and work with the 4th inspection delegation of the European Commission (EC).
The conference was connected online from the Government headquarters to the People's Committee headquarters of 28 coastal provinces and cities, along with leaders of departments, branches, and district and commune-level leaders of these localities.
Concluding the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pointed out that the fight against IUU fishing still has many limitations and shortcomings that need to be resolved in the coming time; there is still a lot of work to be done such as there are still fishing vessels and fishermen violating illegal fishing in foreign waters; the punishment of violations in some places and at some times is not really serious...
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The Prime Minister requested to resolutely handle violations of illegal fishing. Photo: VIET CHUNG |
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to be steadfast and persistent in the Party and State's consistent guidelines on this work; combating IUU fishing is for the benefit of the nation, the people, and the interests of our people, not for the sake of EC inspections and checks. "Fishing is a long-standing livelihood for fishermen. Therefore, the transformation is not something that can be done in a day or two, but we must persevere," the Prime Minister said.
Regarding tasks and solutions in the coming time, the Prime Minister requested ministries, branches, localities and relevant agencies to focus on leadership, direction and drastic actions to promptly complete the overcoming of existing problems and limitations, effectively implement tasks and solutions to prevent and end IUU fishing. It is necessary to do better in propaganda, education and mobilization of people.
The Prime Minister also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through diplomatic channels, to convey the message demonstrating the political determination of the Vietnamese Government in its efforts to combat IUU fishing, prevent Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters; and to preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to seek active support from relevant parties for Vietnam's political determination in removing the "yellow card" warning.
Authorities need to coordinate well with other countries in controlling fishing activities and handling violations in accordance with international law in a humane and humanitarian spirit, while protecting the legitimate and legal interests of Vietnam and Vietnamese fishermen.
The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of National Defense to preside over and coordinate with coastal provinces and cities and relevant ministries and sectors to focus on implementing strong measures and resolutely prevent Vietnamese fishing vessels from illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters.
The Ministry of Public Security urgently consolidates records and prosecutes cases of brokerage and collusion to bring Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit seafood in foreign waters to ensure the strictness of the law. Coordinate with agencies to increase the use of national databases on population in the management of fishermen, fishing vessels, fishing activities, etc.
Localities closely coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and relevant ministries and branches to focus on implementing strong measures, resolutely preventing local fishing vessels from illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters; attaching responsibility to heads of Party committees, authorities at all levels and functional forces with implementation results.
The Prime Minister requested localities to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct a general inspection and review of the entire number of fishing vessels, grasp the current status of fishing vessels to screen and classify them to ensure monitoring and supervision of all activities of the fleet, and handle violations according to the law; especially "3 no" fishing vessels (unregistered, uninspected, unlicensed).
The Prime Minister requested the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, associations, and businesses to continue joining hands with the political system and relevant agencies in implementing regulations on IUU; not to purchase, process, or export seafood products of IUU origin.
Regarding fishermen, the Prime Minister said it is necessary to raise awareness and civic responsibility in living and working according to the Constitution and laws, participating in environmental protection and promoting civic duties in relations with other countries.
The Prime Minister called for a sense of responsibility and action from all levels and sectors in the fight against IUU fishing, especially leaders, especially at the grassroots level - where fishermen are directly in contact with and managed.
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