On March 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the 32nd meeting of the National Steering Committee against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU).
According to the Government Office, this important meeting takes place right before the time of sending the European Commission (EC) Inspection Delegation to Vietnam scheduled from March 9-19, the spirit is "not to let the fault of an individual, a collective affect the common efforts of the whole country".
Concluding, the Prime Minister requested to do it seriously, substantively, effectively, continuously, regularly, without formality, without coping, without perfunctorily, superficially, without having to do it in batches, according to movements; with high determination, great effort, drastic action, what has been said is done, what has been committed must be implemented, without saying no, without saying difficulty, without saying yes but not doing it.
The Head of Government clearly stated that the principle is to thoroughly handle these shortcomings, do what is done, do what is done; all contents related to sustainable development of the seafood industry must be specifically reported, with specific solutions, specific addresses, specific people, not general.
Regarding the general tasks in the coming time, the Prime Minister requested to mobilize the serious, active, substantive, and effective participation of people and businesses, for the own benefit of people and businesses.
Identifying sustainable development of the fisheries sector and combating IUU fishing as a key and urgent political task of Party committees and authorities of provinces, cities, communes, wards, and coastal special zones.
Carefully prepare the program, scenario, and content of working with the EC Delegation; dossiers and data must be accurate, complete, and unified. Absolutely do not allow violations related to EU recommendations to arise.
Regarding specific tasks and solutions, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to prepare an overall report on sustainable fisheries development; focusing on long-term solutions such as a roadmap to reduce exploitation capacity; fleet management; output control; technology application; improving fishermen's lives.
Complete the entire program and working scenario; organize training, unify the content of explanations; review and thoroughly handle existing issues in dossiers and data before the EC Delegation comes to work. Have specific directives and instructions for localities to prepare complete dossiers and documents; organize receptions for the Delegation in accordance with regulations, substantively, sincerely, and responsibly.
Ministries: Agriculture and Environment, Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Security, Science and Technology closely coordinate, unify data and information; do not allow conflicts or inconsistencies to occur in the working process. Send in-depth officials to directly monitor IUU prevention work to participate in working with the Working Delegation; be ready to exchange and fully explain the contents of concern to the Delegation.
The Ministry of National Defense directs the Border Guard force to strictly control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; arrange peak patrols in adjacent sea areas; and prevent violations from arising.
The Ministry of Public Security is accelerating the investigation and prosecution of serious violations according to the EC's recommendations; strictly controlling ship owners and fishermen at their place of residence; coordinating to clarify responsibilities in localities with high "file closing" rates.
