Strengthening Maritime Cooperation in Vietnam's Precious Waters

The contents of cooperation range from exploiting marine resources and marine economies such as oil and gas, fisheries, sea and island tourism, shipping, and seaport to preserving marine resources and environment. Basic investigation of marine resources and environment, development of marine science and technology, ODA attraction and other sources allocation to invest in infrastructure and natural disaster prevention for coastal communes, capacity improvement to prevent natural disasters and respond effectively to climate change... are vibrant scopes of cooperation.

Regarding fisheries, Vietnam actively cooperates with other countries in many areas, notably combating IUU Yellow Card. Vietnam has signed four international treaties and 17 international agreements related to fisheries and maritime cooperation with countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Egypt, and Russia.

Lan Ha Bay (Photo: Bao Quang Ninh)

Agreements on establishing hotlines in fisheries activities have also been signed, including an agreement between Vietnam and Australia on combating IUU. A Vietnam-Philippines hotline was established in 2015, and a hotline on unexpected incidents arising from fishing activities at sea with China in 2013.

In addition, Vietnamese localities have also cooperated with foreign partners to improve the ability and quality of exploiting, cultivating, purchasing, and processing seafood, and combating IUU. Namely, they have participated in projects by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Regarding marine tourism, Vietnam is currently implementing cooperative activities within the framework of agreements with the Philippines and Singapore on cruise tourism development. Ca Mau and Kien Giang signed an agreement with Trat (Thailand) on cooperation in developing the southern coastal corridor. Many authorities have received and deployed technical support for coastal tourism, thereby attracting foreign investment.

Regarding the conservation of marine resources and environment, most international cooperation that Vietnam is a member focuses on strengthening the ability to respond to the impacts of climate change on Vietnam's marine environment and resources. Currently, Vietnam is developing the project "Building ecosystem resilience to respond to climate change for coastal communities in Vietnam."

The sea offers great economic development potential for coastal countries Ha Long Bay.

To solve maritime incidents such as oil spills, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia cooperate in researching and building a process to use distributed land at sea. Vietnam has also deployed cooperative activities within the framework of the agreement with the Philippines on cooperation in responding to oil spills at sea.

Vietnam also carries out projects on preserving the marine environment and species, developing and restoring coastal forests; organizing seminars with foreign experts on coastal erosion prevention; and building a Center for Natural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Binh Thuan.

Regarding the development of marine science and technology, Vietnam focuses on projects such as researching technologies to respond to and handle oil spills at sea, technology for transporting toxic organisms by ship; building resilience of coastal ecosystems; developing new science and technology to prevent coastal erosion, renewable energy technology in marine areas, transferring science and technology; organizing international seminars and conferences to exchange expertise on maritime science and technology.

Regarding ensuring security and safety at sea, Vietnam participates in international cooperation and implements international treaties to which Vietnam is a member, especially the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic.

International cooperation activities on the sea have made an important contribution to strengthening political trust, friendship, and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries to gradually resolve maritime disputes and create a favorable environment, ensuring peace and stability in the region and the world.

At the same time, it helps mobilize the necessary resources and knowledge to serve the industrialization and modernization of the country; clearly demonstrating Vietnam's determination to implement the contents of UNCLOS fully.

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