Viet Nam to develop annual notifications on fisheries management mechanisms

According to the Government’s newly approved Implementation Plan for the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization on the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (2022), issued under Decision No. 2496/QD-TTg, Viet Nam will prepare its first notification and annual notifications on fisheries management mechanisms. These will cover fish stock levels, the IUU list, conservation measures, and support programs for the marine capture fisheries sector.

The plan aims to ensure Viet Nam fully implements its obligations under the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement 2022 (FSA 2022) and advances fisheries management toward greater sustainability.

Under the plan, Viet Nam will strictly comply with commitments under the FSA 2022 - adopted by the WTO at its 12th Ministerial Conference - which prohibits fisheries subsidies that contribute to overfishing or to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Government identifies several key groups of tasks: fulfilling notification and reporting obligations; developing legal frameworks, institutions, and procedural guidelines; strengthening capacity to meet sectoral obligations; and raising awareness and dissemination of the Agreement.

The Government affirms its commitment to fully and seriously fulfilling its WTO member obligations. It also views the implementation of the Agreement as a key driver for transforming the fisheries sector toward modern, transparent, and sustainable practices, balancing marine resource protection with stable livelihoods for fishing communities.

Notably, the plan assigns the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to lead the development of a transparent digital platform for monitoring and reporting fisheries subsidies; promote international cooperation; and mobilize technical assistance from the WTO and partners. The Ministry will also organize training programs for officials and enforcement forces; hold workshops to disseminate the Agreement and the Implementation Plan; and strengthen communication with local authorities, fishers, and businesses to build awareness and support during implementation.

Pham Dao