April 3, 2024

 

Vietnam minister emphasises role of marine aquaculture in sustainable development

Vietnam's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan highlighted the significance of marine aquaculture in relieving pressure on natural resources, enhancing oceanic biodiversity, and fostering sustainable growth during a conference held on April 1, 2024, in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam Plus reported.

 

Addressing the conference on sustainable marine aquaculture, Hoan said that marine farming not only creates economic opportunities and livelihoods but also contributes significantly to economic expansion, state revenue, and job creation in the country.

 

The event, jointly organised by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province, brought together approximately 450 participants from both domestic and international sectors.

 

The primary objectives of the conference included expediting the implementation of Project 1664 on marine farming in Quang Ninh, assessing the global and national aquaculture landscape, and establishing protocols for environmental assessments, licensing, and allocation of marine areas for aquaculture in the region.

 

Nguyen Xuan Ky, secretary of the provincial party committee, outlined Quang Ninh's ambitions to become the aquaculture nucleus of the northern region by 2030. The province has earmarked extensive coastal waters for aquaculture development, focusing on modernization, environmental sustainability, tourism, and national sovereignty protection.

 

Furthermore, Quang Ninh has restructured its aquaculture practices to align with regional advantages, emphasizing productivity enhancement and product quality improvement.

 

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken emphasised the importance of establishing suitable fish farming areas and ensuring environmental conservation for efficient and sustainable marine aquaculture.

 

She noted Vietnam's potential for marine aquaculture expansion and recommended adopting innovative technologies, developing offshore aquaculture sites, and implementing effective waste and pollution management.

 

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has endorsed a marine aquaculture development project until 2030, envisioning 280,000 hectares dedicated to marine farming by 2025, with an output target of 850,000 tonnes and export earnings of US$800 million to US$1 billion. By 2045, marine farming is expected to contribute over 25% of the fisheries sector's output, generating export revenue exceeding US$4 billion.

 

-      Vietnam Plus