Vietnam PM Approves Project on International Cooperation at Sea

Text of report in English by Vietnamese radio text website on 17 June

The Prime Minister has recently issued a decision approving the project “International Cooperation at sea until 2020″.

The decision includes three articles with the major contents as follows: Firstly, cooperation at sea should be in the overall master plan for socio-economic development in accordance with Vietnam’s foreign policies. Secondly, cooperation should promote Vietnam’s strengths, tap the sea’s potential effectively, ensure security and resolve maritime disputes. Finally, it should raise the country’s position in the regional and international arena and impelment its rights and responsibilities when participating in international conventions and organizations.

The decision also lays out major tasks for international cooperation at sea in such fields as oil and gas, sea tourism and island economies. It also covers sea salt production, the development of economic zones, industrial parks, protection of maritime resources, sea security, development of science and technology, construction of the socio-economic infrastructure, state management and human resource training.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will oversee all activities of international maritime cooperation while the relevant big economic corporations will be responsible for making periodical reports and assessing the level of international cooperation at sea.

Originally published by Voice of Vietnam text website, Hanoi, in English 17 Jun 08.

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