10-year implementation of Party resolution on Vietnam Maritime Strategy

Over the past 10 years, the National Assembly has passed laws and the government has taken actions to carry out the strategy to basically change Vietnam’s marine economy.

Results have fallen short

Coastal economic zones have been built and coastal urban areas have received investment to upgrade their infrastructure. Vietnam’s shipping and fishing sectors have been modernized, the petroleum sector has grown, national sea and island sovereignty protection has been strengthened, and the national defense sector has been upgraded.

Former Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Administration of Sea and Islands Nguyen Chu Hoi said, “We have to strengthen our coast to make it an economic locomotive and connect our coastal areas and islands. Islands are part of Vietnam’s territory and will increase our strength if we take advantage of them. Coastal urban areas and urban centers on islands need to form development hubs to attract investment, connect with the mainland, and enhance Vietnam’s influence in the sea.”

The Vietnam Maritime Strategy until 2020 targets comprehensive development of economy, society, science, technology, national defense, and security. Marine and coastal economies could contribute as much as 55% of the GDP. Vietnam hopes to resolve social issues, improve the living conditions of coastal people, and double their income per capita. It has built international seaports, formed strong economic groups, developed coastal economic zones, established a maritime management agency, and expanded maritime cooperation.

Creating breakthroughs

In order to achieve the targets of the Vietnam Maritime Strategy to 2020, Vietnam needs breakthroughs. Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment said, “First we need to create a better legal framework. The second is technology and the third is a high-quality work force. We should not depend on natural resources.”

Bui Tat Thang, Director of the Development Strategy Institute of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said Vietnam should change its approach in each sector to achieve the set targets.

“It’s unnecessary to adjust targets and planning. We should change the implementation. The 12 thNational Party Congress has recommended changing out mindset on the market and socializing and mobilizing more resources,” Thang said.