Japan provides $4.1 million to strengthen Viet Nam’s maritime security

Japan is providing $4.1 million through UNODC to strengthen law enforcement capabilities on Viet Nam’s inland waterways and at sea, while improving cooperation against transnational crime.

On October 22, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Japan signed an agreement to implement a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies operating on Viet Nam’s inland waterways and at sea. Backed by approximately $4.1 million (VND 106 billion) in Japanese funding, the three-year project will be implemented by UNODC in close coordination with the Vietnamese Government.

With more than 3,260 km of coastline and a strategic position along major international shipping routes, Viet Nam plays an important role in regional trade and connectivity. However, maritime security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, with drug trafficking, smuggling and other forms of organised transnational crime posing growing concerns.

These challenges highlight the need for Viet Nam to further strengthen its ability to detect, prevent and respond to maritime offences, while improving coordination among domestic and international law enforcement agencies.

Strengthening skills, equipment and operational cooperation

The project will build the capacity of law enforcement agencies operating on inland waterways and at sea through specialised training, technical assistance and the provision of essential operational equipment.

In addition to developing professional skills, the initiative will seek to improve operational effectiveness and strengthen coordination among relevant agencies. Training activities and exchanges of knowledge and international experience are expected to help law enforcement officers take a more proactive approach to preventing, detecting and responding to maritime offences.

According to UNODC, building the long-term capacity of law enforcement personnel is essential to helping Viet Nam address both current and emerging maritime security challenges. The project will also strengthen institutional capacity, encourage the sharing of expertise and expand cooperation among domestic and international partners.

Mr. David O’Connell said Japan’s funding would enable UNODC to expand its support for Viet Nam through training, technical assistance and the provision of essential equipment.

He emphasised that the project was designed not only to address immediate challenges but also to build lasting capacity, enabling Viet Nam to better anticipate and respond to emerging non-traditional security threats.

Ensuring maritime security and safety, while upholding the rule of law at sea, is crucial to Viet Nam’s sustainable economic development and helps keep international trade flowing smoothly, O’Connell added.

Deepening international cooperation on maritime security

Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, said the new agreement reflected a shared commitment to helping the country address increasingly complex maritime crime challenges.

By strengthening law enforcement capabilities, promoting international cooperation and investing in sustainable solutions, the United Nations hopes to help create a secure, safe and stable maritime environment that supports peace and sustainable development.

Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki stressed that upholding the rule of law at sea was a core principle of Japan’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. He noted that this approach was also consistent with ASEAN’s perspective on the region.

Japan would continue working with Viet Nam and international partners to help ensure security and safety in Viet Nam’s maritime areas, contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

At the ceremony, Major General Luong Dinh Hung, Deputy Commander for Legal Affairs of the Viet Nam Coast Guard, praised UNODC for promoting regional cooperation, building capacity and strengthening links among law enforcement agencies. He also thanked the Government of Japan for supporting efforts to enhance crime prevention and control capabilities and improve maritime security and safety.

The project aligns with Viet Nam’s priorities of strengthening maritime security, combating transnational organised crime and expanding international cooperation. The new agreement reaffirms the commitment of Japan, UNODC and Viet Nam to creating a safer and more stable maritime environment and improving the country’s ability to respond to future security challenges.

Minh Hanh