Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has just signed and issued Official Dispatch No. 03/CD-TTg dated January 13, 2026 on continuing to focus on implementing the task of combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) seafood exploitation.
The Prime Minister requested the Minister of Agriculture and Environment (MARD) to direct the continuation of presiding over and coordinating with Ministries: National Defense, Public Security, Justice and relevant agencies to establish an inter-sectoral inspection team to organize inspections in localities.
In which, focus on inspecting and evaluating results and closing dossiers, clarifying the responsibilities of all levels according to inspection results, summarizing results, and reporting to the Prime Minister before January 25, 2026.
Inspect and verify the substance of the "file closing" results reported by localities (very high rate, over 90%); clarify whether the file closing is in accordance with regulations, if violations are leaked or if violations are not handled/sanctioned incorrectly; and clearly define the responsibilities of each level, each agency, unit, and related individual.
The Minister of National Defense directed to continue patrolling and controlling in the waters bordering countries to prevent fishing vessels from violating foreign waters; directed border posts/stations to strictly control fishing vessels importing and exporting through border posts, ensuring consistency with data on fishing vessels entering and leaving fishing ports; strengthen propaganda and guidance for captains and ship owners to implement the eCDT system according to regulations.
The Minister of Public Security directed to urgently investigate and bring to trial the case of brokering bringing fishing vessels/fishermen to exploit in violation of foreign waters; and at the same time accelerate the investigation and definitive handling of violating organizations and individuals related to swordfish shipments at some enterprises according to the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs directed to work with the functional forces of the host country and the captain who is being detained abroad to investigate, collect evidence, and thoroughly handle violations according to regulations. Complete before January 25.
The Government Inspector General directs to focus on inspecting a number of localities as required; clarify responsibilities in organizing the implementation of IUU fishing prevention tasks. Report the results to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for synthesis before January 25, 2026.
It is proposed that the Provincial Party Secretary and City Party Secretary direct the Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities with fishing vessels to be responsible for arranging and focusing resources to drastically and seriously implement measures to combat IUU fishing, and be directly and comprehensively responsible to the Government and the Prime Minister for handling administrative violations and "closing records" in combating IUU fishing.
The Prime Minister noted that absolutely do not report "100% processed" when the reality has not been completely processed.
Report on reviewing and adjusting statistical solutions, comparing data of fishing vessels departing and entering ports (going/entering ports), ensuring unified data, not "overlapping" between forces, control stages and related data systems.
Immediately implement the contents requested by the inspection team; overcome shortcomings according to conclusions/recommendations after inspection; clarify responsibilities at all levels for limitations and shortcomings (if any), and report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development before January 25, 2026.
