The article quoted the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Processors (VASEP) as saying that fishing is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economy. Vietnam has been globally ranked among the top 10 fish exporting countries since 2006. Vietnam’s export of fishery products to the EU earns between 1.9 and 2.2 billion USD and to the US between 350 and 400 million USD. The Global Policy Journal said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Directorate of Fisheries, and VASEP have mandated that all of them circle their nets to take the measurable actions to balance fishing capacity and fishing fleet policy. A revised Fisheries Law has been approved by the National Assembly, including regulations articles for the IUU.

According to the journal, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued a national action plan to wipe out IUU fishing, implemented by 62 seafood companies to ensure sustainable practices. 

The government has issued a flurry of decrees and directives, supplemented IUU fishing regulations, enforced regulations, held educational workshops for fishermen, enhanced cooperation with other coastal and island countries to prevent IUU fishing, and organized regular dialogues with the EU to improve fisheries management.

Global Policy Journal said Vietnam has developed a national fishery database that contains fishing vessels’ registration, licensing, and logbook entries, and uses VNFISHBASE, a software app now standard in 8 coastal provinces.