Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and Indonesia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration in sustainable aquaculture and legal fisheries exploitation

Indonesia remains Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching $16.7 billion in 2024—an increase of 21.6% from the previous year. Both nations have set an ambitious target of $18 billion in trade volume by 2028. Within this framework, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in key fisheries sectors, including the cultivation of spiny lobster, seaweed farming, and tuna fisheries.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the need for deeper collaboration in fisheries science, technology, and trade. He called for Indonesia’s support in ensuring the sustainable development of the fishing industry, highlighting the importance of disease control and trade facilitation in the export of spiny lobster juveniles to Vietnam. The two ministries also agreed to work together on research and technological advancement in seaweed farming, aiming to enhance the quality of seaweed varieties and processing technologies.

Regarding tuna fisheries, both sides committed to creating a structured mechanism for offshore aquaculture, allowing Vietnamese fishing vessels to operate legally in Indonesian waters. The ministries designated key agencies to engage in technical exchanges and practical implementation of cooperation agreements.

Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono presenting gifts to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien

Additionally, the meeting addressed offshore fishing cooperation, with Vietnam and Indonesia agreeing to enhance information-sharing and policy coordination to ensure the stability and sustainability of fisheries activities. This initiative aims to protect the livelihoods of fishermen while reinforcing legal and responsible exploitation of marine resources.

Vietnam reaffirmed its strict enforcement of regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as part of its efforts to remove the European Commission’s (EC) yellow card warning. The Vietnamese government remains steadfast in its zero-tolerance policy towards IUU fishing and is committed to strengthening oversight, imposing penalties on violators, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. In response, Indonesia expressed its willingness to support Vietnam’s efforts by fostering closer collaboration in legal aquaculture and sustainable fishing, reinforcing both nations’ shared goal of environmental conservation and economic growth.

This strengthened partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia marks a significant step toward advancing regional fisheries cooperation, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing food security in Southeast Asia.

Linh Linh