Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chairs the 31st meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing (Photo: VOV)

Chairing the 31st meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on Tuesday, the Deputy PM called for continued inspection of IUU prevention and closer coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to improve the connectivity and interoperability of relevant systems ahead of the EC’s upcoming fifth inspection.

Mr. Ha said: “We need clear and specific assignments of tasks and at the central level, this includes engagement with the senior leadership and technical teams of the EC. Concrete working scenarios and agendas should be in place to prepare thoroughly for each issue before meeting the EC. From now until March 9, we must focus on preparing and finalising the agenda of the meeting.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said it is joining forces with relevant ministries and agencies to conduct inspections in 15 key localities until March 9. Coastal provinces and cities have been asked to step up IUU fishing inspections and preparations for coordination with the EC’s mission.