Developing Vietnam’s aquaculture: Starting with transparency and green transition

From policy strategy to practical action

The workshop “Sustainable development of the aquaculture industry” was organized by the Fund for a green future – Vingroup in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) in Nha Trang on June 7.

This is an activity within the framework of the campaign “Acting together for a blue ocean” in response to World Oceans Day (June 8) launched by the Fund for a green future. The workshop gathered more than 150 industry delegates, affirming the new orientation of Vietnamese aquaculture: integration must be green – development must be responsible.

Taking place in the context of the Prime Minister 's Decision 911/QD-TTg on controlling aquatic environmental pollution starting to be implemented, the workshop is one of the rare multilateral forums focusing on substantive discussions on sustainable development strategies for the fisheries sector.

Dr. Nhu Van Can highly appreciates the innovation efforts in the fisheries industry.

Dr. Nhu Van Can - Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment - said that Vietnam's fisheries industry is facing an important turning point.

Although export turnover exceeds the 10 billion USD mark in 2024, there are still challenges from climate change, overexploitation; IUU yellow card from the EC; technical barriers and "green barriers" from import markets; pressure from recent reciprocal taxes of the United States,...

“Developing modern, sustainable, green and internationally competitive fisheries has become a consistent goal in the current context. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is implementing many key orientations such as reducing fishing, increasing aquaculture, especially large-scale marine aquaculture, integrating multi-value, combined with conservation of aquatic resources; digital transformation, application of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, blockchain in disease control and traceability.

Along with that is developing on-site processing models, saving energy, reducing emissions; building a circular supply chain, participating in the carbon credit mechanism - to not only 'integrate', but also integrate green, proactively and responsibly", Dr. Can shared.

Data transparency – the key to green and sustainable development of Vietnamese seafood

At the workshop, speakers participated in an in-depth discussion session, revolving around “hot” issues in the seafood industry.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac – President of VASEP emphasized that current seafood exploitation, especially fishing at sea, lacks transparency and specific data. While onshore aquaculture sources can be traced, offshore fishing is very difficult to control and accurately quantify.

Therefore, to move towards a green and sustainable circular fisheries industry, Vietnam needs to build a system to digitize fishing data at sea; apply technology that advanced countries are doing such as digitizing from ship to land, and transparent auctions.

VASEP Chairman affirmed that sustainable development is a prerequisite to maintain the industry's export position and the livelihood of coastal workers.

Sharing the same view, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Association (VINAFIS), said that the concept of “sustainable development” needs to be viewed more comprehensively. Accordingly, successful farming techniques are not enough, it is necessary to find a method of mass application. The supply chain and the requirement of international integration are pressures but also opportunities that force the seafood industry to change according to international standards. In addition, for green and sustainable development, it is urgent to preserve natural capital – including marine ecosystems, resources and biodiversity, which are very vulnerable.

“If production continues to increase without taking into account natural limits, the fisheries industry will not be sustainable. Data transparency and correct assessment of the situation are prerequisites for protecting resources and maintaining long-term development,” he affirmed.

Experts discuss in depth sustainable development solutions for the aquaculture industry

According to Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, former Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, member of the Executive Committee of VINAFIS, developing the fisheries industry and protecting the environment can go hand in hand, as long as there is a clear strategy and specific, practical actions.

“It is necessary to clearly recognize the roles and responsibilities of relevant parties; prepare appropriate legal foundations and technical tools and develop specific, feasible policies, instead of stopping at slogans,” Dr. Pham Anh Tuan emphasized.

At the discussion, experts also listened to and answered opinions from many aquaculture households: how to gradually start the transition from traditional models to high-tech marine farming models; how to handle the lack of infrastructure for offshore aquaculture when there are no docks...

Notably, VASEP General Secretary Nguyen Hoai Nam added that from April 15, 2025, the preferential credit support for the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector has been increased to VND 100.000 billion. This is a concrete step to implement the Government's direction to remove difficulties for businesses and production households in the industry.

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam shared practical recommendations to improve policies and support synchronous and effective green transformation.

Emphasizing the importance of the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac expressed her impression with the message “For a green future, for a green Vietnam” – an inspiring vision for the sustainable development of Vingroup. She emphasized that Vietnam is a strong country in aquaculture and this industry needs to transform towards green development, protecting the marine ecosystem.

The VASEP President also highly appreciated the role of the Green Future Fund and the persistent and practical contributions from Vingroup. She said that financial support plays a very important role, and Vingroup has not only stopped at superficial support activities but also infiltrated people's lives, contributing to promoting the sustainable development of the country - something she deeply appreciates.