July 22, 2020 | 17:58 (GMT+7)
The United States, Vietnam sign an agreement to strengthen fisheries law enforcement
PANO – The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Directorate of Fisheries (DFISH) concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22 to strengthen Vietnam’s fisheries management and law enforcement capabilities.
The agreement was signed by DFISH Director General Tran Đinh Luan and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink.
INL technical assistance under this MOU will enhance the capacity of DFISH and the Department of Fisheries Resources Surveillance (DFIRES) through information sharing, best practices, and implementation of relevant technical programs and projects. The MOU will also foster greater cooperation between Vietnam, U.S., and international law enforcement agencies to ensure sustainable living marine resources and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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DFISH Director General Tran Đinh Luan and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink at the signing |
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kritenbrink said: “The United States has a great deal of experience in managing fisheries and enforcing regulations, which we are more than happy to share. We look forward to working together with Vietnam to strengthen the sustainability of its fisheries and support its fishers against illegal intimidation.”
Since 2015, the United States and DFISH have worked together to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity for fisheries management and enforcement through technical training, study visits, and other assistance activities. In February 2021, INL will transfer to DFIRES a training facility at Region 5 in Phu Quoc, which will significantly improve human resources capacity for DFIRES and the local fisheries enforcement units in Vietnam’s 28 coastal provinces.
Reported by Hoang Linh