Deputy PM urges perfecting vessel monitoring system
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has stressed the need to further perfect, manage, and operate the vessel monitoring system (VMS) smoothly and effectively, according to a notice newly issued by the Government’s Office.
The official called it a key task from now to the end of this year to have the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood lifted, according to the August 10 document on his conclusions at a recent meeting on the implementation of solutions to untangle the knots in the system.
Quang asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to coordinate with the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of National Defence, and other ministries and agencies to focus on removing technical obstacles to consolidate the system, which should be done by August 20.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development will decide on the establishment of an inter-sectoral working group to be staffed by representatives from ministries and agencies, and in charge of giving advice on and handling technical issues, and guiding the implementation of VMS-related regulations at different levels.
Meanwhile, the MIC will join efforts in inspecting the supply of satellite equipment and services, Quang said, noting the VMS must remain connected in anticipation of the upcoming inspection by the EC’s delegation.
Violating organisations and individuals must be strictly handled in line with legal regulations, the official told the Ministry of Public Security.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked to provide relevant information for the MARD to ensure fishing boats operate legally in the waters regulated by Vietnamese and international laws, which should be completed no later than August 15.
The Ministry of National Defence will instruct competent forces to step up inspections and supervisions over the VMS system.
The People’s Committees of cities and provinces were urged to review and supplement IT equipment in service of the system’s operation at seafood management agencies and fishing ports in localities before August 31.
