Gov’t chief receives EC inspection delegation on IUU

Pham stressed that the EU is a leading important partner in Viet Nam's foreign policy.

The EU is currently Viet Nam's fourth-largest trading partner, while the latter is the former's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its 16th globally, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$74 billion in 2025. The EU remains Viet Nam's sixth-largest investor.

Highlighting the significance of the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), he said these frameworks provide fresh momentum for investment cooperation and help EU businesses better connect with ASEAN markets.

Sharing Viet Nam's development strategy toward its centennial goals of becoming an upper middle-income developing country by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045, Pham underscored that sustainable fisheries development remains a key national priority.

He stressed that Viet Nam's efforts to combat IUU fishing are driven not only by the EC's recommendations, but also by the country's commitment to sustainable fisheries and its national reputation. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the EC for accompanying Vietnam throughout this process, noting that Viet Nam has maintained proactive and close coordination with EC agencies over the years.

The Government, ministries, localities, businesses and fishing communities of Vietnam have implemented comprehensive and resolute measures to tackle IUU fishing such as improving the legal framework, strictly penalizing violations, tightening fleet management, enhancing control over imported aquatic product origins, and introducing policies to support livelihood transitions for fishermen.

On the basis of the EU-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and with a constructive approach, Pham affirmed Viet Nam's continued close cooperation in combating IUU fishing, while expressing his hope and confidence that the EC will consider lifting the "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood, thereby further strengthening effective and substantive cooperation between Vietnam, the EU and its member states.

For his part, Guimaraes thanked the host leader for the reception, describing it as a clear signal of the Vietnamese Government's strong commitment to combating IUU fishing.

He noted that the EC has accompanied Viet Nam in this effort for over eight years and has observed significant and steady progress, particularly in establishing a robust fisheries control system, including vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and seafood traceability mechanisms.

The EC delegation expressed confidence that Viet Nam successfully addresses shortcomings, meets the EC's recommendations and achieves effective fisheries governance.

EU acknowledges Viet Nam’s progress in tackling IUU fishing toward sustainable fisheries

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha held a meeting with the inspection delegation in which he described Viet Nam's efforts to combat IUU fishing since 2017 as a "notable journey," supported significantly by recommendations from the European Commission. These have helped the country strengthen policies, improve fisheries governance, and promote sustainable marine development.

He stressed that tackling IUU fishing goes beyond lifting the EU's "yellow card," as it is essential for protecting marine resources, sustaining coastal livelihoods, and fulfilling international obligations. Viet Nam has aligned with global commitments, enhanced its legal framework—including the Law on Fisheries—and advanced its broader sustainable marine economy strategy.

Ha also highlighted the steady growth of Viet Nam–EU relations over 35 years, with strong cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy, especially following the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He called for continued constructive feedback from the EC to further improve fisheries management.

For his part, EC official Fernando Andresen Guimaraes acknowledged Viet Nam's progress, including the development of systems like VNFishbase, electronic traceability (eCDT), and widespread vessel monitoring systems (VMS). However, he noted remaining challenges such as ensuring transparency in seafood inputs and strengthening enforcement against VMS violations, recommending tougher penalties.

Ha emphasized that Viet Nam is entering a new development phase with higher ambitions in green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable ocean governance. The country has actively engaged in international commitments on climate change, biodiversity, and initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

To address remaining issues, Viet Nam is continuing legal reforms, tightening enforcement, expanding digital monitoring systems, and decentralizing fisheries management to local authorities. It is also improving seafood traceability systems and seeking clearer guidance on managing imported seafood supply chains.

The country plans further regulatory revisions, stricter handling of violations, and expansion of marine protected areas to 6 percent by 2030, alongside promoting high-tech aquaculture and alternative livelihoods.

Ha called for deeper Viet Nam–EU cooperation in areas such as sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and the blue economy, including offshore wind development under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). He also stressed the importance of establishing regular exchange mechanisms to enhance coordination and cooperation moving forward./.