APEC strengthens cooperation to develop sustainable fisheries and adapt to climate change

The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the APEC International Secretariat.

This is an initiative proposed by Vietnam and approved in 2023 within the framework of the Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG). This initiative is supported and co-sponsored by 8 member economies including Australia, China, Chile, Japan, Peru, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Singapore.

The workshop was attended by more than 70 international and domestic speakers and delegates, including representatives of APEC member economies, representatives of a number of international organizations such as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), etc., along with representatives of a number of localities, research institutes, associations and Vietnamese enterprises.

Ông Phạm Quang Toản, Phó Cục trưởng Cục Thủy sản, Bộ Nông nghiệp và Môi trường phát biểu khai mạc Hội thảo. (Ảnh: Thành Long)

Mr. Pham Quang Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, delivered the opening speech at the Workshop. (Photo: Thanh Long)

In his opening speech, Mr. Pham Quang Toan, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the importance of fisheries to food security, livelihoods of hundreds of millions of fishermen and regional economic growth.

He said that the Asia-Pacific region currently accounts for nearly 90% of global seafood production but is also the region most vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Vietnam has been implementing many policies such as controlling IUU fishing, developing high-tech marine aquaculture, smart, circular aquaculture, and action plans to respond to climate change and protect marine ecosystems.

Hội thảo có sự tham gia của hơn 70 diễn giả và đại biểu quốc tế và trong nước. (Ảnh: Thành Long)

The conference was attended by more than 70 international and domestic speakers and delegates. (Photo: Thanh Long)

At the workshop, speakers from Indonesia, China, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and Chile will share experiences in sustainable aquaculture development and climate change adaptation.

The workshop also discussed the following topics: opportunities and challenges for developing the fisheries sector in the context of climate change; sharing experiences and successful models from APEC economies and international organizations; strengthening APEC cooperation in implementing the Aotearoa Action Plan and the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 towards sustainable fisheries.

Các diễn giả đến từ Indonesia, New Zealand, Malaysia và Việt Nam chia sẻ kinh nghiệm trong phát triển thủy sản bền vững. (Ảnh: Thành Long)

Speakers from Indonesia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Vietnam shared experiences in sustainable aquaculture development. (Photo: Thanh Long)

The results of the Workshop, especially the policy recommendations, will be presented to the Working Group and shared with members, contributing to promoting APEC cooperation in green economic development, sustainable and inclusive growth. This is also one of the very meaningful cooperation activities to prepare for Vietnam to assume the role of APEC 2027 host.