Six challenges currently facing Vietnam's mariculture

During the press conference on the afternoon of March 25, Mr. Nguyen Huu Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Seaculture Association, responded to a question from the Communist Party's online newspaper regarding obstacles in attracting investment in mariculture by outlining six challenges that businesses are currently facing.

He remarked, "One of the main difficulties is that, to date, no local government has assigned marine areas to the management of local businesses and fishermen. This is a significant barrier which prevents businesses from investing in this sector due to licensing and legal issues. As a result, many businesses have faced prolonged challenges for several years."

Mr. Dung revealed that the Association has received several recommendations and proposals from businesses regarding these obstacles. However, there is a lack of effective coordination between ministries and sectors regarding mariculture policies.

Additionally, the shortage of specialized labor for the mariculture sector is the result of a lack of specialized training in mariculture. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has not implemented programs to promote access to advanced technology for coastal residents. Many facilities for mariculture were unable to register due to a lack of standards and criteria. Moreover, the lack of insurance and high risks discouraged businesses from investing in sustainable mariculture.

According to Mr. Dung, attracting investment for Vietnam's mariculture requires close coordination among ministries and sectors, as well as flexible and effective policy solutions from local management agencies.

Mariculture plays a crucial role in the development of marine economy. Accordingly, the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have issued multiple policies and programs to encourage and promote the development of mariculture. As a result, Vietnam is witnessing the emergence of a mariculture sector, equipped with infrastructure for seed production areas, concentrated farming areas, ancillary industries (feed, farming equipment, cages, new materials), processing industries, and market development strategies.

The Sustainable Mariculture Development Conference - Insights from Quang Ninh is organized with the aim of accelerating the implementation of Project 1664 on mariculture in Quang Ninh province; establishing an overview of global and domestic mariculture; deploying the implementation of mariculture planning and environmental impact assessment procedures; resolving difficulties in licensing; allocating marine areas for aquaculture in Quang Ninh province and Vietnam as a whole in the near future.

The conference, co-chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan and leaders of Quang Ninh province, is expected to attract 300 to 350 domestic and international participants, including representatives from embassies, consulates, experts from countries with a leading mariculture sector such as Australia, Norway, Denmark, the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, the EU, the Netherlands, UNDP, FAO, IUCN, FFW, SNV, among others.

The conference is an opportunity for Quang Ninh province to introduce its potential, strengths, mechanisms, and policies to attract investment for the development of mariculture towards an industrial, modern, and multi-value direction. Additionally, the event can be a platform for the province to seek consultation from domestic and international experts, scientists, and businesses, with the aim of organizing sustainable mariculture development in the near future.