Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Appropriate policies and regulations are neededto help fully exploit the untapped potential in developing the maritime economy,which plays an essential role in the socio-economic development of Vietnam,according to insiders.

Oneof the challenges of ocean management is how best topromote sustainable development goals within the maritime economy.

Accordingto Dr Ta Dinh Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committeefor Science, Technology and Environment and former Director of the Vietnam Administrationof Seas and Islands (VASI), Vietnam's marine economicdevelopment is still unsustainable and not well linked with socialdevelopment and environmental protection.

Seriouspollution and environmental incidents have been reported in some watersand coastal areas, while plastic waste pollution has become an urgent problem,he said, adding that country is also facing an imbalanced maritimeecosystem, degrading biodiversity, and excessive exploitation of marineresources.

Vietnam's marinescience and technology resources remain limited, while businesses facedifficulties accessing new production technologies due to high costs.

Thesefactors limit the exploration and exploitation of marine resources.

Basedon the need for sustainable development of the national marine economy, Vietnam issuedResolution No. 36-NQ/TW in 2018, on a strategy for the sustainable developmentof the marine economy to 2030.

Underthe resolution, attention has been paid to promoting sustainable development ofthe marine economy based on blue growth, conservation of biodiversity andmarine ecosystems.

Itwill also ensure the balance between economic and natural ecosystems,conservation and development, and the interests of coastal and land-lockedlocalities; strengthening linkage and restructuring industries towardsimproving productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness; tapping thepotential and advantages of the sea to create motivation for nationaleconomic development.

Theresolution also clearly states the goal of sustainable marine economicdevelopment by 2030, in which the marine economic sector will make upabout 10% of the country's GDP.

Theeconomies of the 28 coastal cities and provinces are estimated to account for65-70% of GDP, while the marine economic sector will see sustainabledevelopment according to international standards.

Theresolution also sets out "breakthroughs" focusing on perfecting theinstitution for sustainable development of the marine economy; integrating andunifying the management for developing the sea economy; promoting science andtechnology development and training high-quality marine human resources; anddeveloping concerted infrastructure, and transport networks connecting majoreconomic centres of the country, industrial parks, urban areas, coastal areasand seaports.

Assoc.Prof. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Society,said the development of the sea economy required continued institutionalreforms such as building a marine economic development plan to determinethe long-term direction for exploiting marine resources, protectingthe marine environment, and ensuring sustainable development of themaritime sector.

Heemphasised the need for consistency in managing the marine economicdevelopment among ministries, sectors and central and local managementagencies; and to speed up information systems on marine resources and theenvironment.

Oceandevelopment is important for the socio-economic development of thecountry. To achieve higher goals such as the country's commitment to becominga carbon-neutral nation by 2050, Vietnam needs to use theopportunities to sustainably develop the marine economy and protect marineresources for future development./.