(VOVworld) – Binh Thuan leads the country in loaning capital to fishermen to build or revamp vessels pursuant to a government resolution on fisheries development policies (Resolution 67). Thanks to these loans, Binh Thuan fishermen can do long-time off-shore fishing.

Fishermen visit and get to know composite fishing ships. (Photo: Nguyen Thanh/VNA)

The Vo Hanh family of Binh Tan ward in La Gi Township has launched a wooden ship which was built by a loan under Resolution 67. Like many fishermen in La Gi, Hanh’s family has long been involved in fishing near the shore.

When the government adopted a policy of financially supporting fishermen to build bigger vessels, Hanh borrowed 320,000 USD which added to his own 135,000, enabled him to build a new ship.

Hanh said that “this was my first loan from the state so I had some trouble with the paperwork and administrative procedures. But thanks to the local authorities’ assistance, we can complete the building of the ship.”

In early October Nguyen Van Quang, also of La Gi Township, completed a composite-coated wooden ship worth about 450,000 USD. Quang, who received his loan at the same time as Hanh, expressed his hopes for the ship’s maiden voyage.

Quang said “the ship is built and equipped for offshore fishing. We have 10 crew members in all. It’s our first trip but I believe we can reach 70% productivity.”

The fishermen faced a number of difficulties trying to comply with the loan procedures because they weren’t clear about the regulations.

According to Pham Van Trinh, deputy head of the provincial steering committee for implementing fisheries development policies, “we’ve organized lots of talks with the fishermen and publicized the telephone numbers of the officials in charge. If anyone finds anything unclear, they can call us directly to answer their questions. We want to expedite the bank loans.”

Building and revamping vessels at Lam Thanh Phat ship building facility in Rach Gia City. (Photo: Le Huy Hai/VNA)

Binh Thuan’s People’s Committee has approved about 150 plans for building new ships. Necessary procedures have been completed for 36 ships, and the banks have made loan commitments of 4.5 million USD, three fourths of which has been disbursed. Nine vessels have been launched so far.

Huynh Van Thai, deputy director of Binh Thuan’s Aquaculture Department, said that “Binh Thuan fishermen are happy the resolution is having an effect. New ships are operating in the major fishing grounds and are working very efficiently. We’ll increase communications and show fishermen how to apply advanced technologies to locate, catch, and preserve more fish.”

The government has just passed another resolution that adds or revises a number of the articles of resolution 67 to remove obstacles to quickly obtaining boat loans. The new resolution will take effect on November 25^th, 2015.