Overview of the workshop

The workshop was chaired by Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Lê Minh Hoan, with the participation of leaders from central ministries and agencies; representatives of key coastal localities; major economic corporations; and many leading research institutes.
Representing Hai Phong were Lã Thanh Tân, Deputy Head of the city’s specialized National Assembly delegation; and Vũ Tiến Phụng, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee.

Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People’s Committee Vũ Tiến Phụng speaks at the workshop
 

In his opening remarks, Nguyễn Thanh Hải, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, emphasized: “The sea is not only a resource but also a cultural space and a source of development. Sustainable marine economic development is impossible if human activities harm the sea. Obstacles in implementing policies and laws on environmental protection, marine economic development, and the circular economy must be addressed promptly.

The workshop focused on assessing the current status and potential of marine economic development, analyzing practical models in localities, identifying legal bottlenecks, and proposing breakthrough solutions to shift from a linear economy to a circular economy (CE), contributing to the Net Zero 2050 target.
At the workshop, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stressed: “Marine resources are finite, but our responsibility to the sea is infinite. Only when each ministry, locality, and business complies with the law and respects the environment we can build a sustainable and competitive marine economy aligned with global trends.”

Thirteen thematic reports were presented, focusing on major topics such as: trends in the development of a blue marine economy and scientific–technological orientations for marine economic growth; circular economy in aquaculture and industrial marine farming; green transition in maritime transport and waterways; green tourism linked with conservation; marine science, technology, and data; applications of marine biotechnology and biodiversity conservation; fishery extension and green energy transition.

The presentations outlined a comprehensive picture of Vietnam’s marine economy in 2025 and proposed multiple solutions for effective and sustainable marine development. They also frankly pointed out major barriers hindering blue marine economy and CE development, including: fragmented legal frameworks (no dedicated laws for the circular economy or blue economy; lack of guidance on financial, tax, and green credit incentives); weak technical infrastructure, especially in waste collection and treatment at fishing ports, aquaculture zones, and island districts; and limited resources, particularly for fundamental surveys and recycling technologies.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Lê Minh Hoan delivers the closing remarks.

In his concluding remarks, Vice Chairman Lê Minh Hoan stated: “The sea is not only a space for survival but also a new driving force for development. We must shift from a resource-extraction mindset to one that nurtures and grows ecological value.” He urged the Government and ministries to soon complete the legal framework and strengthen mechanisms to encourage CE development, aiming to make Vietnam a strong maritime nation that prospers from the sea on a green and sustainable foundation.

Earlier, the National Assembly’s Supervisory Delegation conducted a field survey and worked with the Hateco International Container Terminal in the Cat Hai Special Zone.

The Supervisory Delegation will compile all recommendations to report to the National Assembly Standing Committee, serving as a basis for amending and supplementing relevant laws in the coming period; contributing to improving the legal framework on the marine economy, promoting the circular economy, developing renewable energy and eco-tourism, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s marine economy.