Vietnam and Indonesia cooperate in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

On the afternoon of August 5, in Indonesia, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien met with Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for its ongoing support and promotion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fisheries sector. He emphasized the importance of further collaboration in aquaculture, especially as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

“The Vietnamese Government is committed to not tolerating and strictly addressing IUU fishing violations, in pursuit of sustainable and responsible fishing practices, environmental protection, and ocean biodiversity conservation,” stated Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

In this context, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien proposed that Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono direct the Indonesian Maritime Law Enforcement Agency to establish a Joint Working Group for law enforcement and information sharing between the two countries. This group would hold annual meetings and develop a unified mechanism to address maritime issues and IUU fishing.

In response, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono highlighted Indonesia’s significant potential in marine resources and fisheries, particularly in science, technology, and seafood trade, including lobster seeds, tuna, and seaweed.

The leaders of the two ministries agreed to swiftly implement cooperative activities in the cultivation of lobster, tuna, and seaweed. Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono also encouraged Vietnamese investors to explore opportunities in Indonesia’s aquaculture sector, particularly in tuna and seaweed farming.

Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono acknowledged the Vietnamese Government’s significant efforts in combating IUU fishing, which have resulted in a marked reduction in IUU incidents and the absence of serious violations.

To uphold commitments to prevent IUU violations, both sides will designate focal agencies to facilitate direct exchanges and consultations between the two ministries. They will also work towards finalizing an agreement to establish a hotline for communication between the ministries.

Additionally, the leaders committed to ongoing information exchange and collaboration in the spirit of strategic partnership and ASEAN cooperation. They agreed to address violations with a humanitarian approach, aiming to support fishermen from both countries without criminalizing infractions.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation within the ASEAN framework on issues related to regional and global marine fisheries.

Furthermore, to foster Vietnam’s engagement in the tuna industry, Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono expressed confidence that Vietnamese enterprises are well-positioned to participate in the supply, import, and export of tuna, and to establish effective management mechanisms for traceability.

Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono also expressed hope for continued coordination in organizing forums and seminars to promote trade and market development. This, he believes, will increase the consumption of aquatic products and provide opportunities for businesses from both countries to expand trade, cooperation, and investment in the aquaculture sector.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien concurred and expressed a desire to continue exchanging and sharing information on marine fisheries issues to support sustainable and stable fishing practices. He also highlighted the need for collaboration in research, science, and technology, as well as the import and export of high-quality seaweed varieties and seaweed processing technology.

Regarding lobster seeds, the professional agencies of both ministries will work to standardize the Quarantine Certificate and share updates on disease situations and control measures. Indonesia will soon facilitate the export of lobster seeds to Vietnam.

Both ministries’ leaders are optimistic about the potential for practical and effective cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia. They believe that management agencies, scientists, businesses, and fishermen from both countries will have increased opportunities to access new technologies and foster connections, trade, and knowledge-sharing. This collaboration aims to advance the production, processing, and consumption of aquatic products.

In a spirit of friendship, Indonesia has committed to supporting Vietnam in promptly addressing issues at sea and combating IUU fishing. The goal is to ensure the provision of “transparent, responsible, and sustainable” food for society and communities, benefiting both countries.