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| Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Hilde Solbakken, speaks at the workshop. (Photo: VNA) |
Speaking at the workshop, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Hilde Solbakken, said that Norway and Vietnam have cooperated in the fisheries sector for nearly 40 years. Norway has supported Vietnam to develop the first Law on Fisheries in 2003 and its accompanying documents; and supported the survey of aquatic resources, capacity building projects and activities in the fisheries sector.
In 2022, the program will train 100 trainees who are farmers and workers in the marine aquaculture industry. Currently, there are more than 10 Norwegian businesses operating in Vietnam in this field from developing seed, providing means and technological solutions for industrial marine aquaculture, fish feed, salmon processing, processing of aquatic by-products, manufacturing of equipment and export of seafood.
Currently, aquaculture is one of Norway's largest export sectors (17% of GPD) after oil and gas. The industry has become a highly productive, specialized and professionalized industry, creating jobs for thousands of people in coastal communities.
Innovation and development of new technologies are key to future success. This is an opportunity for Norwegian experts to share their experiences on aquaculture and marine farming methods that are both sustainable and harmonious; as well as the need for marine spatial planning and cooperation.
According to Mr. Le Van Hoan, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province is synchronously and effectively implementing the pilot project to develop high-tech marine aquaculture in Khanh Hoa in the direction of increasing productivity and product value, raising people's income, creating jobs, and improving socio-economic conditions.
The province aims to export seafood with high standards, ensure food safety, meet the needs of the market, protect the marine environment, advance sustainable marine economic development, and gradually form marine farming areas from 3-6 nautical miles, both ensuring the development of the marine economy and reducing the pressure on coastal marine farming.
Tran Dinh Luan, Director of the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that with a long coastline, Vietnam and Norway have many similarities and many common concerns.
Therefore, studying the experience and successful lessons of Norway will give suggestions to help Vietnam solve the current difficulties, as well as develop appropriate policies to develop the aquaculture industry more strongly and more sustainably./.