Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim in Hanoi on May 12, 2023 (photo: VOV)

The PM spoke highly of the IMO Secretary General’s first visit to Vietnam, and thanked the United Nations (UN), notably the IMO – the UN specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships, for their valuable contributions and support to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Government hopes that the IMO will continue to be a pioneering international organization in promoting maritime cooperation between Vietnam and other member countries, Chinh noted.

With a coastline of over 3,000km and many deep-water ports, Vietnam has great potential to promote the maritime industry, he said, attributing the sector’s strong development over the past years to the IMO’s support.

Chinh called on the organization and the Secretary General to maintain their assistance to Vietnam in raising its maritime capacity and turning such potential into advantages, thus practically contributing to national socio-economic development, and promoting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the world.

He also called for their assistance in building and perfecting the maritime legal system, and joining and implementing relevant international treaties in order to ensure navigation safety, security and freedom and protect the maritime environment.
Lim expressed his admiration for and congratulated Vietnam on its development achievements in various spheres.
He also commended the country’s vision, resolve, efforts and solutions in achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2050, and suggested Vietnam further share its experience, cooperate with other member countries, and work together with the IMO in realizing commitments to emission reduction and sustainable maritime development.
PM Chinh suggested the IMO roll out policies in support of developing countries, including Vietnam, in devising maritime development strategies and planning schemes, building and consolidating institutions, applying technologies, and personnel training.
Lim agreed with the PM’s proposals, pledging that the IMO will work to implement the proposals, especially those concerning personnel training.