Chairing the 16th meeting of the national steering committee on combating IUU fishing at the government headquarters, PM Chinh connected with 21 coastal provinces and cities. The meeting gathered Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, government officials, and leaders from relevant ministries and agencies.
At the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee's meeting point, the session was attended by Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phạm Anh Tuấn, as well as Vice Chairman Dương Mah Tiệp.
The Prime Minister expressed condolences to families affected by recent Storms No. 10 and 11, which caused 67 deaths or missing persons, 165 injuries, and economic losses estimated at nearly 17 trillion VND (about USD 667 million). More than 174,000 homes were damaged, and over 94,600 hectares of crops were flooded or destroyed.
PM Chinh reaffirmed that the Party and State’s highest goal is to safeguard “independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensure a better, happier life for the people.” He called for urgent efforts to address storm damage, restore livelihoods, and stabilize production in affected areas.
According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, since the previous session on September 30, ministries and localities have implemented comprehensive measures against IUU fishing, resulting in a significant decline in unlicensed fishing vessels and an increase in certified fishing ports.
Representatives from ministries and coastal provinces reported continued efforts to tighten fleet management, ensure traceability of seafood origins, and strengthen legal compliance. In Gia Lai province, authorities have registered 5,782 vessels and implemented policies to phase out substandard boats while supporting fishermen’s livelihoods. Since June 2024, the province has reported no violations.
Concluding the meeting, PM Chinh called for unified action to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports. He demanded stronger accountability among officials, emphasizing that any collective or individual failing to fulfill assigned duties in combating IUU fishing “must be held responsible.”
The Prime Minister also directed ministries and local governments to continue legal education and communication campaigns for fishermen, promote alternative livelihoods, and ensure strict compliance with fisheries laws nationwide.
